Final answer:
Cold food can be kept without temperature control for up to 6 hours if it remains below 4 degrees Celsius to inhibit bacterial growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
When holding cold food without temperature control, it can be kept for up to 6 hours as long as the food remains below 4 degrees Celsius (40 degrees Fahrenheit). This is because temperatures below 4 degrees Celsius inhibit bacterial growth and help to prevent foodborne illnesses. However, it's important to note that after 6 hours, the food should be discarded to avoid the risk of bacterial contamination. Perishable foods left at temperatures between 4 and 60 degrees Celsius (40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit) for more than two hours can become dangerous to eat due to rapid bacterial growth.