Final answer:
For safe thawing of foods like a corn/black bean blend, it's recommended to defrost them in the refrigerator. Though the exact time isn't provided, the USDA suggests a period that fully thaws the food without promoting bacterial growth, with 3 hours being a reasonable estimate for small to medium volumes.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), when thawing frozen foods such as a corn/black bean blend, they should be kept at temperatures that do not promote bacterial growth. This is essential for maintaining food safety and preventing the development of foodborne illnesses. It is recommended to thaw foods in the refrigerator, which provides a safe environment, keeping food temperatures low and consistent.
Even though specific thawing times can vary based on the volume and density of the food, a general rule of thumb is to allow enough time for the food to thaw completely. For a corn/black bean blend to be safely added to salads, it should be sufficiently defrosted in the refrigerator to prevent any potential bacterial growth.
While the precise thawing time is not mentioned in the provided reference, for most foods, several hours in the refrigerator are typically recommended. Since option 3 hours is the least amount of time that still respects the guidelines for safe thawing procedures, it is the best guess amongst the provided options.