The 2-Hour Rule: How Long Can Food Sit Out?
- 4 cited sources
- Content updated 2026-10-25
All 6 detected claims in the English guide have exact source mappings. This automated source comparison is not professional review or a guarantee about an individual food. Claims outside this detector and human review remain separate.
Refrigerate perishable food within 2 hours of being left at room temperature, or within 1 hour above 90°F (32°C). FDA applies this guidance to meat, poultry, seafood, leftovers and take-out foods that require refrigeration. FDA.
Left-out food safety checker
Enter how long food sat out and whether the room was hot. Perishable food follows the 2-hour rule — or 1 hour above 90°F / 32°C.
When you do not know how long food sat out, choose the safer discard path. Do not taste food to decide whether it is safe.
Source: USDA FSIS — Danger Zone (40°F / 4°C – 140°F / 60°C).
Which foods does this apply to?
The rule concerns food that requires refrigeration. Check the package storage directions; do not apply a perishable-food limit to every unopened shelf-stable product. FDA.
What to do with food left out
Discard perishable food that has been at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or more than 1 hour above 90°F (32°C). A normal smell or appearance does not prove it is safe. FDA.
Store food promptly
Keep the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below. Put leftovers into shallow containers and refrigerate promptly; thaw meat and poultry in the refrigerator rather than on the counter. FoodSafety.gov.
Related on FoodLasts
Guides: Chicken left out
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Sources: FDA — Are You Storing Food Safely? , FoodSafety.gov — Food safety steps , FoodSafety.gov — Cooking temperature chart , FoodSafety.gov — Lunchbox food safety . Content updated 2026-10-25. See the exact-source coverage above.