How long can brewed tea be kept at room temperature?

How long can brewed tea be kept at room temperature?

• A. 2 hours
• B. 4 hours
• C. 6 hours
• D. 8 hours

Answer: (B)

Brewed tea can be safely kept at room temperature for up to 4 hours. This guideline is based on food safety principles, as leaving brewed tea out for longer can promote bacterial growth, especially under warm room conditions. After this time frame, tea may taste stale or develop off-flavors due to oxidation, but the primary concern is the potential for harmful bacteria to develop, particularly if sugar or milk is added. Therefore, it's best to consume brewed tea within 4 hours if it has been left out at room temperature.

Brewed tea can be safely kept at room temperature for up to 4 hours. This guideline is based on food safety principles, as leaving brewed tea out for longer can promote bacterial growth, especially under warm room conditions. After this time frame, tea may taste stale or develop off-flavors due to oxidation, but the primary concern is the potential for harmful bacteria to develop, particularly if sugar or milk is added. Therefore, it's best to consume brewed tea within 4 hours if it has been left out at room temperature.