Vegetative forms of Clostridium botulinum spores are killed in:

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The vegetative forms of Clostridium botulinum, which are responsible for producing the potent botulinum toxin, are indeed killed at specific temperatures and time durations. The correct choice states that these spores can be killed in 10 to 15 minutes at a temperature of 176 degrees Fahrenheit.

This temperature is sufficiently high to denature the proteins and enzymes necessary for the bacteria's survival and reproduction. Thermal processing at this temperature can effectively kill the vegetative cells, thereby preventing the potential for toxin production.

In contrast, lower temperatures, such as those indicated in the other options, are not adequate for ensuring the destruction of these vegetative forms. For instance, the 80 degrees Fahrenheit option is far below the temperature needed to inactivate the bacteria and would not provide effective control against Clostridium botulinum. Similarly, while 250 degrees Fahrenheit is known for its effectiveness in killing various pathogens in a much shorter time frame, the specific context of 1 minute at that temperature does not align with the standard time it takes to ensure complete destruction of spores in varying conditions. Lastly, 112 degrees Fahrenheit is also insufficient and can't ensure the necessary lethality against this bacteria, which needs higher temperatures to deactivate.

Thus, maintaining a specific

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