Final answer:
Hot food can be held without temperature control for a maximum of two hours before it may become unsafe to eat due to bacterial growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The longest hot food can be held without temperature control is two hours. Foods should not be left in the temperature range between 4 and 60 degrees C (40 and 140 degrees F) for more than two hours because this allows for the rapid growth of bacteria, potentially making the food unsafe to consume. It is important to maintain proper temperature control to prevent foodborne illnesses and ensure food safety. Foods meant to be consumed hot should be kept hot, and likewise, foods meant to be eaten cold should be kept cold until they are served. Any perishable foods left at a temperature within this dangerous range for more than the time limit should be discarded.