How long can iced tea be held at room temperature?

Iced tea can be safely held at room temperature for up to 4 hours. This time frame is grounded in food safety guidelines, which suggest that perishable beverages should not be left at room temperature for extended periods due to the risk of bacterial growth and spoilage. After 4 hours, the quality and safety of the tea may deteriorate, so discarding any iced tea that has been sitting out longer is advisable to prevent foodborne illnesses.

While other durations are presented as options, they exceed the recommended safe holding time, suggesting that iced tea may not remain safe for consumption if left out beyond that window. Maintaining awareness of these time limits is essential for ensuring food safety when serving beverages like iced tea.