Question

A large container of potato salad has been removed from cold holding at the correct temperature. How long can the food be safely held without temperature control as long as it does not exceed 70 degrees F? (21 c)

A) 2 hours
B) 4 hours
C) 6 hours
D) 8 hours

Answer 1

A large container of potato salad removed from cold holding should not be held without temperature control for more than two hours as long as it does not exceed 70 degrees F to prevent bacterial growth and foodborne illness. The correct option is A).

Step-by-step explanation:

A large container of potato salad that has been removed from cold holding and kept below 70 degrees F can safely be held without temperature control for up to two hours.

After this time frame, the risk of bacteria rapidly multiplying increases significantly, potentially leading to foodborne illness. Foods are susceptible to bacterial growth when they are between 40 and 140 degrees F, and this temperature range is often referred to as the 'danger zone' for microbial growth.

Given the sensitivity of perishable foods to temperature and the rapid growth of bacteria, especially in products like potato salad which can be an ideal medium for bacteria, strict adherence to the two-hour guideline is vital for food safety.

Once the food exceeds the two-hour limit at room temperature, it should be discarded to prevent the risk of foodborne illness. Option A) is the correct one.