How long can food be left out at room temperature before it becomes unsafe?

Food safety guidelines recommend that perishable foods should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. This is critical because, within that timeframe, bacteria can multiply to dangerous levels. Temperatures between 40°F and 140°F are considered the "danger zone," where pathogens can thrive.

If food is left out for longer than this 2-hour limit, particularly in warm environments, the risk of foodborne illnesses increases significantly. For hot weather conditions, where the ambient temperature exceeds 90°F, the safe window shortens to just 1 hour. Adhering to this guideline helps to ensure that the food remains safe for consumption and reduces the likelihood of foodborne outbreaks.