How long can food sit out at room temperature?
Short answer: No more than 2 hours. If the room or outdoor temperature is above 90°F (32°C), no more than 1 hour. After that, throw perishable food out.
The time limits
| Room or outdoor temperature | Longest food can sit out |
|---|---|
| Up to 90°F (32°C) | 2 hours |
| Above 90°F (32°C): a hot car, a summer picnic | 1 hour |
The clock covers the whole time the food is between 40°F and 140°F (4°C and 60°C), which the USDA calls the Danger Zone. In that range, bacteria can double in as little as 20 minutes.
Which foods this applies to
Perishable food: meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, cooked rice and pasta, cut fruit, and any cooked leftovers. Bread, whole fruit, crackers and most condiments aren't covered by the 2-hour rule.
If it sat out too long
Throw it out. Reheating doesn't make it safe, and you can't tell by smell or taste whether bacteria have grown.
How to keep food out of the Danger Zone
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking. Split big batches into shallow containers so they cool fast.
- Keep cold food at 40°F (4°C) or below in the fridge, a cooler or on ice.
- Keep coolers shut and out of the sun. Every opening lets the cold out.
- Write down when you put it away. Leftovers then keep 3–4 days in the fridge.
Common questions
How long can food sit out at room temperature?
No more than 2 hours. If it's above 90°F (32°C), no more than 1 hour.
Can I eat food that sat out overnight?
No. Perishable food left out overnight has been in the Danger Zone far longer than 2 hours and should be thrown out, even if it looks and smells fine.
Does reheating make food that sat out safe?
No. Some bacteria make toxins that heat doesn't destroy. If perishable food sat out more than 2 hours, throw it out.
What is the Danger Zone for food?
Between 40°F and 140°F (4°C and 60°C). Bacteria grow fastest in this range and can double in as little as 20 minutes.
How long food lasts
Source: USDA food safety guidance on the Danger Zone. This page is general information, not medical advice. When in doubt, throw it out.