Final answer:
A sign that food is unsafe due to time-temperature abuse is when perishable foods are kept in the temperature danger zone for more than two hours, promoting bacterial growth. The prevention includes maintaining food at safe temperatures, practicing hygiene, and properly storing food.
Step-by-step explanation:
A sign that food has been time-temperature abused and is unsafe includes foods that remain within the danger zone of 4 to 60 degrees Celsius (40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit) for more than two hours, promoting rapid bacterial growth. Moreover, foods that should be either cold or hot but are not maintained at the proper temperatures could indicate time-temperature abuse. Indicators of food contamination may not always be evident through taste or smell, hence the importance of adhering to safe food handling practices such as maintaining proper temperatures, regular handwashing, and avoiding cross-contamination.
Foodborne illnesses can affect the health of the digestive system, causing symptoms that range from mild discomfort to severe dehydration. Eating contaminated foods like undercooked meats, unpasteurized dairy, or unwashed vegetables can lead to various gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
For prevention, it's vital to keep perishable foods out of the danger zone, cook foods to their safe internal temperatures, practice proper hygiene such as washing hands before and after handling food, and store foods at appropriate refrigeration temperatures immediately after cooking. Using a food thermometer can ensure that foods reach temperatures high enough to kill bacteria. These practices can significantly reduce the risk of foodborne diseases.