How long can food be safely kept in the Danger Zone (41°F-135°F)?

Food can be safely kept in the Danger Zone, which ranges from 41°F to 135°F, for up to 4 hours. This is crucial because the Danger Zone is the temperature range where harmful bacteria can grow rapidly. If food is stored in this temperature zone for too long, the risk of foodborne illness increases significantly.

The general food safety guideline indicates that food should not be left in this range for more than 4 hours to ensure it remains safe for consumption. If food is at those temperatures beyond this time frame, it should be discarded to prevent the risk of illness. This information is essential for food managers to maintain safer food handling practices and protect public health.