Under ideal conditions, bacteria can multiply every:

Bacteria have the potential to multiply rapidly under optimal conditions, such as the right temperature, nutrient availability, and a suitable pH level. The correct answer reflects a common benchmark in food safety education, indicating that certain types of bacteria can double in number approximately every 20 minutes. This understanding is critical in managing food safety, as it emphasizes the importance of controlling time and temperature to prevent bacterial growth that can lead to foodborne illnesses.

In food service and handling, if the temperature of food remains within the danger zone (typically between 41°F and 135°F or 5°C and 57°C), bacteria can proliferate quickly. Recognizing this factor can aid in implementing proper storage and cooking techniques to ensure food safety. Other options, while they suggest growth rates, do not accurately reflect the standard estimation that many food safety protocols are based on.