Final answer:
The maximum amount of time the entire cooling process may take using the two-stage cooling method is 6 hours.
Step-by-step explanation:
The maximum amount of time that the entire cooling process may take using the two-stage cooling method can vary. However, the general guideline is to cool the food from 135°F (57°C) to 70°F (21°C) within 2 hours and then from 70°F (21°C) to 41°F (5°C) or below within an additional 4 hours. So, the maximum amount of time the entire cooling process may take is 6 hours (2 hours + 4 hours).
Learn more about cooling process in food handling