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People don’t usually think about rice when considering the possibility of food poisoning, but that doesn’t mean rice is 100 percent free from danger. So, how long can rice sit out? If you leave rice out for more than two hours after cooking, it could lead to cramping, diarrhea, and other symptoms of food poisoning.
Most health experts recommend incorporating fresh, leafy greens into your daily diet. Rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, they are an excellent source of nutrients with several health benefits. However, these leafy vegetables can also carry harmful bacteria, viruses, and other germs that cause foodborne illnesses if improperly handled.
E. coli, which stands for Escherichia coli, is a type of bacteria naturally found throughout the environment, including in our intestines and some foods. However, many strains of E. coli are incredibly harmful and will make you sick if you ingest them.
People often become infected with E. coli and suffer serious gastrointestinal symptoms and other conditions by eating food improperly handled or cooked. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the E. coli bacteria causes healthy cells to release potent toxins that cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and more.
Shigella is a genus of bacteria that causes shigellosis. The pathogen spreads through infected feces. Half a million people get shigellosis each year from contaminated food and water in the United States. Most cases are mild, but some people experience severe symptoms that last for months and may lead to lifelong health problems.
Norovirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis (inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract) in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between 19 and 21 million cases of gastroenteritis are caused by norovirus every year. The virus can lead to severe dehydration and hospitalization.
Given these staggering numbers, you may wonder, “How is norovirus spread?” Norovirus is incredibly contagious and spreads rapidly. It can persist on uncleaned surfaces for weeks, raising its spread risk. Given the potentially serious and deadly consequences of a norovirus infection, it is important to stay informed and vigilant.
In 2023, more than 273 million Americans consumed bacon. Bacon is one of the most popular pork products on the market. However, bacon is also perishable and can make you sick if you do not store it correctly.
So, how long does bacon last in the fridge? According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, raw bacon must be refrigerated at 40 °F or lower and used within seven days. Read on to learn how to safely store bacon in the fridge, how to tell if bacon has gone bad, and what can happen if you eat spoiled bacon.
Cream cheese is a perishable dairy product that should be discarded if left out for longer than two hours. Like other perishable foods, cream cheese provides a hospitable environment for pathogenic bacteria when stored at temperatures higher than 40 °F and lower than 140 °F. This range is sometimes known as the “danger zone.”
Yogurt is a perishable food that should not sit out at room temperature for more than two hours in most conditions. If the air temperature is higher than 90 °F, you should move your yogurt to the refrigerator within one hour. Yogurt can harbor toxic microorganisms that can cause food poisoning. If you accidentally leave yogurt out for longer than two hours, you should discard it.
Fans of silky smooth butter often find themselves wondering, “How long can butter sit out?” Storing butter at room temperature results in a softer, more spreadable product, but is it worth the risk?
Fortunately, you may be able to safely store butter at room temperature for up to two days, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Butter is primarily made from fat, which makes it less perishable and more resistant to microbes than other dairy products. You can extend the shelf life of butter by storing it in the refrigerator or freezer.
Whether in the kitchen or the poultry section, many people find themselves wondering, “How long can chicken sit out? Does it make a difference if it is raw or cooked?” In general, you shouldn’t leave chicken out of the refrigerator—raw or cooked—for more than two hours. When the room temperature in the space holding the chicken is more than 90 °F, such as on a hot summer day, the time frame becomes even shorter. You should not leave chicken out for more than one hour in these conditions.
More specifically, when the temperature of chicken is between 40-140 °F, it has entered the “danger zone.” This is the temperature range where bacteria flourish, reproducing rapidly and multiplying to dangerous levels. Someone who eats bacteria-laden chicken can become seriously ill. Some cases are life-threatening.
