Food Safety Certification Practice Test

Which of the following is an example of temperature abuse?

1. Keeping food in a freezer

2. Leaving cooked food at room temperature for too long

3. Reheating leftovers properly

4. Serving food immediately after cooking

The correct answer is: Leaving cooked food at room temperature for too long

Leaving cooked food at room temperature for too long is an example of temperature abuse because it allows the food to remain in the temperature danger zone, typically between 41°F and 135°F (5°C and 57°C). In this range, bacteria can multiply rapidly, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. Proper food safety guidelines recommend that cooked food should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours, or one hour if the temperature is above 90°F (32°C). By failing to refrigerate or keep hot food above 135°F, bacteria can grow to unsafe levels, posing a significant health risk. In contrast, keeping food in a freezer maintains a temperature that prevents bacterial growth, while properly reheating leftovers brings food to a safe temperature. Serving food immediately after cooking ensures it is hot and safe to eat, thus avoiding any possibility of temperature abuse.