In the context of food safety, what is the maximum amount of time that food can safely remain in the temperature danger zone (between 4°C and 60°C) before it must be discarded?

• A. 8 hours
• B. 24 hours
• C. 1 hour
• D. 4 hours

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of the temperature danger zone in food safety, which is the range between 4\degree C and 60\degree C where bacteria can rapidly multiply.
2. Recognize that food safety guidelines recommend limiting the time food spends in this temperature range to prevent bacterial growth and reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
3. Recall that the commonly accepted maximum time food can safely remain in the danger zone is 4 hours.
4. Note that exceeding this time increases the risk of harmful bacterial growth, making the food unsafe to consume and requiring it to be discarded.
5. Therefore, the maximum safe duration for food in the temperature danger zone is 4 hours before it must be discarded.