Final answer:
Perishable food may be left at room temperature for a maximum of two hours. After this timeframe, the risk of bacterial growth and potential foodborne illness increases, so it is important to refrigerate or discard such items promptly.
Step-by-step explanation:
The maximum time perishable food may safely be left at room temperature is two hours. Perishable foods include items such as meat, poultry, eggs, dairy products, and other items that require refrigeration. If these foods are left at a temperature between 4 and 60 degrees C (40 and 140 degrees F) for more than two hours, they should be discarded as they may harbor unsafe levels of bacteria due to failure of temperature control. After two hours, the conditions become ideal for bacterial growth, increasing the risk of foodborne illness.
It is essential to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold until they are served, and to refrigerate perishable leftovers as soon as possible. To ensure safety and prevent foodborne diseases, it is recommended to keep your refrigerator at or below 4 degrees C (40 degrees F) and your freezer below -18 degrees C (0 degrees F). Regular handwashing, cleaning of surfaces, and thorough cooking to an internal temperature of at least 74 degrees C (165 degrees F) are also crucial practices for food safety.