Which of the following indicates that food must be discarded?

The indication that food must be discarded is primarily based on the food being above the recommended holding temperature. When food is held at temperatures higher than what is considered safe, there is an increased risk of bacterial growth, which can lead to foodborne illnesses. Food safety guidelines establish specific temperature ranges to prevent this growth, and any deviation from these ranges can compromise the safety of the food.

Maintaining food within the proper temperature range is critical for hygiene and safety. If food is consistently above the recommended holding temperature, it should not be consumed and must be discarded to prevent health risks.

In contrast, when food is stored in sealed containers, displayed in a clean area, or prepped just before serving, these conditions generally meet food safety protocols and do not indicate that food should be discarded. Proper storage and preparation are essential for maintaining food safety and quality, but they do not inherently suggest risk like holding food at unsafe temperatures does.