How long can potentially hazardous foods (PHF) be safely held at temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit?

The correct answer is 24 hours because, according to food safety guidelines, potentially hazardous foods (PHF) that are held at temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit can be safely stored for up to a day without increasing the risk of foodborne illness. This 24-hour period is based on the understanding that PHFs, when maintained at appropriate refrigeration temperatures, can prevent the growth of pathogens that typically thrive at warmer temperatures.

Maintaining PHFs at temperatures above freezing but below 40 degrees Fahrenheit allows for a small window during which such foods can remain safe for consumption. After 24 hours, the risk increases, and it is recommended that these foods either be used or discarded to ensure food safety.

The other options, while representing different time frames, exceed established safety guidelines. Foods held for longer than 24 hours at just below 40 degrees can start to pose health risks if proper precautions aren’t taken. Therefore, the 24-hour guideline is a critical component of safe food handling practices within the Army Food Service Program.