It might appear harmless to have food on the countertop overnight if it looks and smells normal, but it isn’t safe. Food safety depends on more than the look of the food. Perishable foods can become unsafe if they are left at room temperature long enough to allow the growth of harmful bacteria.
Cooking Office advises you to learn which foods need refrigeration right away to avoid the risk of food poisoning in your home.
1. Cooked Meat
Cooked meat should be properly refrigerated if there is a need to store it. The USDA states that perishable foods should be refrigerated within two hours or less than that if the temperature is higher. When cooked meat has been left out overnight, it’s best to throw it out.
2. Cooked Seafood
Cooked seafood, such as fish, shrimp, and shellfish, is also perishable and must be refrigerated. Allowing seafood to sit on the counter for more than two hours gives bacteria more time to spread.
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3. Dairy Products
Milk, cream, yogurt, soft cheeses, and other perishable refrigerated dairy products should not be left out all night. For dairy foods, it is best to return them to the refrigerator as soon as possible rather than leave them on the counter for long periods. Cheese storage requirements vary by type, with soft cheeses generally requiring refrigeration while some hard cheeses can be stored under different conditions.
4. Eggs and Egg Dishes
Cooked eggs and foods that contain them, such as omelets, quiche, and egg casseroles, should be refrigerated within two hours. Eggs that have been cooked and left at room temperature overnight should be discarded.
5. Cooked Vegetables
Cooked vegetables are generally perishable and should be refrigerated promptly after cooking. Any cooked vegetables left over should be put in the fridge within two hours, or within one hour if the temperature is above 90°F, and not left on the kitchen table overnight.
6. Soups, Stews, and Casseroles
Highly perishable cooked foods, such as soups, stews, casseroles, and other leftovers, should not be left out for more than two hours. Dense, high-volume foods can be harder to cool, so leftovers should be divided into shallow containers and refrigerated promptly. If serving a lot, split into shallow bowls to cool more rapidly.
7. Cut Fruits and Vegetables
Most whole fruits and vegetables can be stored at room temperature, but when cut, they require different storage instructions. Fresh-cut produce should be refrigerated promptly and not left out overnight.
How Long Can Food Safely Sit Out?
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In general, two hours is the maximum time for which food should be allowed to remain outside in case of an emergency. Harmful bacteria may be present in food that looks, smells, and tastes normal. So don’t rely on appearance or smell to check the safety of food. Storing food safely is an important part of having a safe kitchen. Refrigerating perishable foods, such as leftovers, promptly helps keep them safe to eat.
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