What should be done if food has been left out for more than the safe time limit?

When food has been left out for longer than the safe time limit, it has likely entered the temperature danger zone, in which harmful bacteria can grow rapidly. The safest course of action is to throw it away. This helps prevent foodborne illness, as consuming food that has been improperly stored can lead to serious health risks.

Refrigerating the food at this point does not eliminate the risk, as it may already contain harmful pathogens. Additionally, cooking the food again may not ensure safety, as some bacteria produce toxins that remain even after heating. Eating it quickly would also pose health risks, as the food could still be dangerous to consume. Therefore, discarding the food is the most responsible and cautious option to ensure safety.