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What condition promotes the growth of bacteria?
Food held below 32 degrees F
Food held between 70 degrees F and 125 degrees F
Food held above 165 degrees F
Food frozen solid
The correct answer is: Food held between 70 degrees F and 125 degrees F
The correct answer is that food held between 70 degrees F and 125 degrees F promotes the growth of bacteria due to the temperature range falling within what is known as the "temperature danger zone." This zone, which typically ranges from 41 degrees F to 135 degrees F (or up to 140 degrees F in some guidelines), is where bacteria can rapidly multiply. When food is kept in this temperature range, the conditions are ideal for bacterial growth, which can lead to foodborne illnesses if consumed. In contrast, food held below 32 degrees F is in a frozen state, inhibiting bacterial growth, while food held above 165 degrees F is generally cooked to a temperature that kills most harmful bacteria. Additionally, food that is frozen solid halts bacterial activity altogether. Understanding these temperature ranges is crucial in food safety practices to prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms.