What should be done with food that has been sitting out for more than 2 hours?

Food safety is crucial in ensuring that food does not pose a health risk to consumers. When food has been sitting out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, it enters a danger zone where bacteria can grow rapidly. This is particularly important for perishable items, which can spoil or become unsafe if not handled properly.

Discarding food that has been left out for over 2 hours is the best practice to prevent foodborne illnesses. It's not safe to reheat, use in another dish, or store that food because the potential for harmful bacteria to thrive means it could still cause illness even after reheating or processing.

For safe food handling, it's crucial to adhere to guidelines that protect both the consumer and the establishment's reputation, and discarding food that has been at room temperature for too long is the most responsible action to ensure safety.