What should be done if a food has been left out at room temperature for too long?

When food has been left out at room temperature for an extended period, it falls into a dangerous zone where harmful bacteria can proliferate rapidly. Bacteria can multiply quickly, especially between temperatures of 40°F and 140°F, which is known as the "danger zone." If food has been left out for more than two hours (or one hour if the ambient temperature is above 90°F), it is no longer safe to consume.

Discarding the food prevents the risk of foodborne illnesses that could arise from consuming these bacteria, which can lead to significant health issues, such as gastrointestinal distress, fever, and in severe cases, hospitalization. While reheating can kill some bacteria, it does not eliminate toxins that may have been produced by bacteria before reheating. Therefore, the safest course of action is to discard the food to ensure health and safety.