How long can food sit out? The 2-hour rule
Cooked or perishable food can sit out for no more than 2 hours, or 1 hour if it is above 90°F (32°C). After that, throw it out. Cooked rice is riskier: refrigerate it within 1 hour.
The temperature danger zone
Bacteria grow fastest between 40°F and 140°F (4°C–60°C), doubling in as little as 20 minutes. Keep cold food cold and hot food hot, and refrigerate leftovers promptly in shallow containers.
What about food left out overnight?
Throw it away. Food left out overnight has been in the danger zone far longer than 2 hours. Reheating does not remove the toxins some bacteria leave behind.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 2-hour rule for food?
Perishable food should not sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours in total, or 1 hour when it is above 90°F (32°C). After that, throw it away.
Does the 2 hours reset if I put food back in the fridge?
No. Time out of the fridge adds up. Thirty minutes on the table at dinner plus ninety minutes on the counter later counts as 2 hours.
Does reheating make food that sat out safe?
No. Some bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus, produce toxins that cooking does not destroy.