Final answer:
A hot pan of chicken tenders can be safely held without temperature control for up to 2 hours. Beyond this time, the risk of bacterial growth increases, making the food potentially unsafe to consume.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering the safety of foods like chicken tenders without temperature control, it's critical to adhere to food safety guidelines. Perishable foods, including those that are meant to be eaten hot, like chicken tenders, should not be left out at room temperature for longer durations due to the risk of rapid bacterial growth. Foods that are kept within the danger zone of temperatures between about 4 and 60 degrees C (40 and 140 degrees F) can become unsafe to consume if they remain in this range for more than two hours.
Therefore, the correct answer to how long a hot pan of chicken tenders can be held without temperature control is: b) 2 hours. After this time frame, the chicken tenders should be discarded to prevent foodborne illness. It's crucial to always maintain proper food safety practices to ensure the health and well-being of those consuming the food.