How Long Can I Leave Food Out?
Whether you make a meal at home or bring back a container of leftovers from a restaurant, always refrigerate perishable food promptly. The refrigerator’s cold temperature slows the growth of bacteria and ensures that your food is safe to eat.
Leaving cold food unrefrigerated can lead to rapid bacterial growth, which can cause food poisoning. Symptoms can include an upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting, fever and dehydration. While most cases resolve without treatment, severe illness may occur.
How long can food safely stay outside the refrigerator?
For your safety, refrigerate perishable foods within two hours of cooking or purchasing. Even if food looks and smells fine, it can harbor harmful bacteria. The longer food sits at room temperature, the higher your risk of foodborne illness. Home-cooked meals and restaurant leftovers should be refrigerated within two hours and consumed within three to four days. Ensure your refrigerator is set to the correct temperature (around 40°F or 4°C) to effectively maintain food safety.
What foods need to be refrigerated?
Perishable foods should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking or purchasing to prevent foodborne illness:
- Milk and other dairy products, such as yogurt and butter
- Plant-based milk, such as oat, almond and soy
- Cheese, especially soft varieties and string cheese
- Meats, including ground hamburger and deli meats
- Tofu and seafood products
- Cooked vegetables
- Fruits and vegetables that have been cut
- Eggs
- Cooked rice and other grain products
Pantry items you should refrigerate after opening:
- *Condiments, such as ketchup, mustard, salad dressing, soy sauce, hot sauce and maple syrup.
- All-natural peanut butter
- Jams and jellies
- Broths
- Any canned goods
Note: While condiments such as ketchup, soy sauce and maple syrup can be found on restaurant tables, they're often stored in the refrigerator at home for extended shelf life and optimal safety. Refrigerating these condiments ensures they remain safe and flavorful for months.
If you’re ever in doubt about what should or shouldn’t be refrigerated, it’s always a good idea to check the storage instructions on the package. If the product requires refrigeration, you’ll see the phrase “Refrigerate after opening.” Also, pay close attention to the expiration date and any helpful instructions on the label, such as “Consume within two weeks of opening.”
Some people are confused about eggs—should they or shouldn’t they be refrigerated?
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), eggs and all the other items listed above should be refrigerated. Their website notes, “Eggs should be kept in their carton and placed in the coldest part of the refrigerator, not in the door. Refrigerated eggs should not be left out for more than 2 hours. Any bacteria in or on an egg can multiply quickly at room temperature, and a cold egg left out at room temperature can sweat, increasing bacteria's potential movement and growth.”
Some people believe that unwashed eggs can be stored safely at room temperature. While this practice is common among those who raise chickens, there's no official endorsement for its safety. Unwashed eggs have a protective coating called a cuticle that can help prevent bacterial contamination. However, even unwashed eggs may become contaminated if exposed to dirt, feces or other contaminants. To ensure the safety of your food, refrigerating both washed and unwashed eggs is recommended.
