Final answer:
The maximum time allowed for safely reheating food is 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth. Foods left at temperatures between 40 and 140 degrees F for longer than this time should be discarded.
Step-by-step explanation:
The maximum time allowed for safely reheating food is 2 hours. This is because perishable foods left at a temperature between 4 and 60 degrees C (40 and 140 degrees F) for more than two hours should be discarded due to the likelihood of rapid bacterial growth. It is essential to reheat food to a safe internal temperature as indicated food safety guidelines, keeping in mind that the danger zone for microbial growth in food is between 40 and 140 degrees F.