How Long Can Cookout Food Sit Out?

Once perishable food is laid out on the table, it’s generally safe to consume for about two hours.

At a cookout, you’re surrounded by delicious options: burgers fresh off the grill, beloved family recipes, trays of fruit, and more. Despite the temptation, it’s important to avoid eating food that has been sitting out for hours to prevent foodborne illnesses.

Understand the Danger Zone

Recognizing the "danger zone" is crucial at any gathering involving food. Bacteria multiply rapidly on food left between 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius) and 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius). The bacteria count can double in just 20 minutes.

Perishable foods, including meat, dairy, and mayonnaise-based dishes, can become unsafe to eat if left unrefrigerated for more than two hours. If the temperature exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius), the window shortens to one hour.

Tips to Keep Food Safe

No one likes wasting food, so here are some strategies to ensure safety and minimize waste:

1. Cook in Smaller Batches: Rather than cooking everything at once, prepare food in smaller quantities to avoid an oversupply.
2. Keep Hot Foods Hot: Use warming trays, chafing dishes, or plugged-in slow cookers to maintain safe temperatures for cooked foods.
3. Keep Cold Foods Cold: Use plenty of ice to keep dishes like potato salad and coleslaw chilled.
4. Use Smaller Serving Bowls: Limit the amount of food on the table at one time and frequently refill from hot or cold storage.
5. Serve Dressings Separately: Avoid pre-dressing salads to reduce moisture, which can promote bacterial growth.
6. Avoid Direct Sunlight: Set up food tables in shaded areas to prevent the sun from speeding up spoilage.

Risks of Consuming Food Left Out Too Long

Eating food that has been left out for too long can lead to foodborne illnesses, which often cause diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, headaches, and general discomfort. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 48 million people in the U.S. experience food poisoning annually, with severe cases potentially leading to hospitalization or death.

Should You Save Leftovers?

If considering packing leftovers, use your senses to evaluate the food. If it looks or smells off, it's best to discard it. Generally, any food left out on the table at the end of a cookout should be thrown away to avoid the risk of illness. It's not worth taking a chance on consuming leftover items that may have harbored bacteria.