What is the maximum time food can be left out at room temperature?

The maximum time food can be left out at room temperature is 2 hours, which is a critical guideline in food safety management to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. When food is held in the temperature danger zone, which ranges from 41°F to 135°F, bacteria can multiply rapidly. After 2 hours at room temperature, the risk of foodborne illness significantly increases, as the levels of pathogens can rise to dangerous levels.

It's important to adhere to this guideline, particularly during meal preparation and service. If food has been sitting out for longer than 2 hours, it should be discarded to ensure the safety of consumers. This practice helps maintain food safety standards and protects public health by reducing the likelihood of foodborne illnesses.