What is the longest time that food can be left out at room temperature?Group of answer choicesOne hourSix hoursFour hoursTwo hours

Understanding the Problem

To determine the maximum time that food can be safely left out at room temperature, we need to consider food safety guidelines provided by health authorities.

Relevant Concepts

Food safety guidelines generally recommend that perishable foods should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours. This time frame is crucial as bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature, potentially leading to foodborne illnesses.

Analysis and Detail

1. Room Temperature: Room temperature is typically around 20°C to 22°C (68°F to 72°F).
2. Bacterial Growth: At room temperature, bacteria can multiply quickly. The danger zone for food temperatures is between 4°C (40°F) and 60°C (140°F).
3. Recommended Timeframe: Perishable foods should not exceed two hours outside refrigeration. If it is above 32°C (90°F), the recommendation is reduced to one hour.

Verify and Summarize

The consensus among food safety experts is to limit the time that perishable food is left out at room temperature to two hours. After this period, the risk of foodborne illness increases significantly.

Final Answer

The longest time that food can be left out at room temperature is Two hours.