How long can cooked food sit out before it goes bad?

Answer by  gordon (304)

According to current USDA food safety standards the maximum safe time for cooked foods that are left out at room temperatures is two hours. The " Danger Zone " is 40F to 140F when bacteria can double in as few as 20 minutes. If your room temperature is 90F food should not be left out more than one hour.

Answer by  Patti63 (51)

You should throw it away to be safe. Most foods including meat and fish; grains such as rice and pasta; and even sauces, especially tomato sauces, will grow bacteria if left out to cool for more than a few hours.

Answer by  Tammy (585)

It really depends on the food,but for food safety it is a good idea to not eat food that has set out for more than 2 hours with out refrigeration. If you don't want to throw it away, may I suggest making it into pet food and that way you don't risk getting ill.

Answer by  Anonymous

I just ate some eggs that had been sitting out for about 5 hours. i am about to throw up.

Answer by  yasmin (-4)

how long can cured meats sit out and still be safe to eat