Final answer:
The shelf life of most items on the steam table depends on whether they are meant to be eaten hot or cold. Foods meant to be eaten hot should be kept hot until served, while foods meant to be eaten cold should be kept refrigerated until served.
Step-by-step explanation:
The shelf life of most items on the steam table depends on whether they are meant to be eaten hot or cold. Foods meant to be eaten hot should be kept hot until served, while foods meant to be eaten cold should be kept refrigerated until served. Perishable leftovers should be refrigerated as soon as possible. Any perishable foods left at a temperature between 4 and 60 degrees C (40 and 140 degrees F) for more than two hours should be thrown out.