What action should be taken if a prepared salad has been left out at room temperature for more than two hours?

Prepare for the Washington State Food Worker Test using flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations. Ace your exam today!

If a prepared salad has been left out at room temperature for more than two hours, the safest action is to discard it. Food safety guidelines indicate that perishable items, such as salads containing ingredients like eggs, mayonnaise, or cooked vegetables, can become unsafe to eat if they are not kept at the proper temperature. The danger zone for bacterial growth is between 41°F and 135°F, and food left out for more than two hours falls into this category.

Bacteria can proliferate rapidly in this temperature range, leading to potential foodborne illnesses. Even if the salad appears to be fine or smells okay, harmful bacteria may still be present, so consuming it could pose significant health risks. Proper food handling practices dictate that items should either be kept refrigerated or kept at a temperature above 135°F to ensure their safety. Therefore, discarding the salad is the only appropriate action to avoid the risk of illness.

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