How long can prepared food be kept at room temperature before it becomes unsafe?

Prepared food can safely be kept at room temperature for no longer than 2 hours. This is due to the rapid growth of bacteria that occurs in the temperature danger zone, which is between 41°F (5°C) and 135°F (57°C). When food is held at room temperature, bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria can multiply quickly, which increases the risk of foodborne illness. After 2 hours, the likelihood of harmful bacterial growth increases significantly, making it unsafe to consume the food. Therefore, it's essential to refrigerate or keep food hot if it will not be consumed within this time frame to ensure food safety.