How long can ready-to-eat (RTE) food be stored if held at 41°F or lower?

The correct answer is that ready-to-eat (RTE) food can be safely stored for 7 days if held at 41°F or lower. This guideline helps ensure food safety by minimizing the risk of foodborne illnesses. When RTE foods are stored at temperatures above 41°F, bacteria can grow more rapidly. The 7-day limit is based on the principle that even foods properly stored will still undergo some degradation, and consumption should occur before significant spoilage or microbial growth can occur.

Choosing a longer storage duration, such as 10 days, may lead to an increased risk of spoilage and foodborne pathogens, which is why it is outside the recommended guidelines. Storing RTE foods for 3 or 5 days falls within a safe period but doesn't maximize the useable timeframe established by health guidelines. Therefore, 7 days strikes a balance between safety and practical usage in food service operations.