Specific Foods

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.

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.

Despite their nutritional value and versatility in cooking, eggs can pose a serious risk of foodborne illness if not handled and stored correctly. Often, when poor safety practices lead to illness, egg distributors may be held liable in a lawsuit. One common question regarding eggs is how long they can sit out unrefrigerated before becoming unsafe to eat.

So, how long can eggs sit out? As a general guideline, eggs should not sit out of the refrigerator for more than two hours. This includes both raw eggs and cooked eggs. After two hours, bacteria can grow on the egg’s surface, increasing the risk of food poisoning. Even with proper storage practices, all eggs eventually become unsafe to eat.

Learn more about food poisoning from pizza. Uncover the potential hazards lurking in every slice, from undercooked ingredients to cross-contamination. We’ll shed light on symptoms and prevention strategies. Learn how to safeguard against culinary mishaps and ensure your dining experiences are always safe and enjoyable, whether out at a restaurant or in your own home.

Watermelon, a refreshing summer snack, can lead to food poisoning if not stored or handled correctly. Contamination may occur at any stage, from farming to home preparation, primarily due to bacteria like Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli. Watermelons close to the ground can pick up bacteria from soil or water, and improper handling or storage can exacerbate the issue. To reduce the risk, it’s recommended to wash watermelons thoroughly, store cut pieces in the refrigerator, and avoid cross-contamination with other foods