Which of the following indicates that a food is potentially hazardous?

The correct answer is that a food containing protein-rich ingredients is considered potentially hazardous. Foods that are high in protein, such as meat, eggs, dairy products, and seafood, provide a favorable environment for the growth of pathogens when they are not stored or handled properly. Microorganisms, particularly bacteria, thrive in protein-rich foods, making them a significant concern in food safety.

While low fat content and the presence of oil do not inherently indicate that food is hazardous, they play a role in the overall safety profile of different foods. Additionally, foods with a high acidity level are typically less conducive to the growth of harmful bacteria, as many pathogens prefer neutral to slightly alkaline environments. Therefore, protein-rich foods are particularly noteworthy in the context of food safety and sanitation, due to their potential to support the growth of harmful microorganisms if mishandled.