How Long Can Meat Stay Out of the Fridge Safely?

Learn the safe time limits for leaving meat out of the fridge and how to avoid foodborne illnesses.

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Meat should not be left out of the fridge for more than 2 hours. In temperatures above 90°F (32°C), this time is reduced to 1 hour. Bacteria can grow rapidly when meat is stored at room temperature, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses. To ensure safety and freshness, promptly refrigerate or freeze meat. When in doubt, it’s wise to err on the side of caution and discard any meat left out beyond these recommended times to protect your health.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is the maximum time meat can be left out at room temperature? Meat should not be left out of the fridge for more than 2 hours.
  2. Does the time limit for leaving meat out change with temperature? Yes, in temperatures above 90°F (32°C), meat should not be left out for more than 1 hour.
  3. What happens if meat is left out for too long? Bacteria can grow rapidly on meat stored at room temperature, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
  4. What should I do if I accidentally left meat out? If meat has been left out beyond the recommended times, it's best to err on the side of caution and discard it to protect your health.