What is a common example of time-temperature abuse?

Leaving food out at room temperature for too long is a prime example of time-temperature abuse because it allows harmful bacteria to grow to unsafe levels. Food that is not kept within the safe temperature range can become a breeding ground for pathogens, which can lead to foodborne illnesses. The concept of time-temperature abuse is centered around the understanding that perishable foods should be stored at specific temperatures and not left in the "danger zone," which is typically between 40°F and 140°F for an extended period.

In contrast, the other choices relate to different food safety issues. Not cleaning utensils properly pertains to hygiene and the prevention of contamination, using unapproved sources for food addresses sourcing safety, and cross-contamination focuses on the risk of pathogens transferring from raw to cooked foods. However, none of these directly illustrate the specific issue of maintaining safe food temperatures, which is why they are not the best examples of time-temperature abuse.