How long can cooked food be left at room temperature before it must be discarded?

Cooked food can be safely left at room temperature for up to 2 hours before it must be discarded. This guideline is based on food safety practices designed to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses. When food is left out at temperatures between 41°F and 135°F (the "danger zone"), bacteria can multiply quickly, posing a significant health risk.

After the 2-hour mark, foods may enter a zone where pathogens can grow to levels that can cause illness if consumed. Therefore, the 2-hour rule serves as a crucial benchmark in food safety that helps prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and keeps food safe for consumption.

In situations where the surrounding temperature is particularly high (above 90°F), this timeframe is reduced to just 1 hour. It’s important to always monitor food temperature and time to ensure safety.