Thoughts on food left out

[Icky Mettle]

So we had Thanksgiving dinner at my parents’ house. We had plenty of food to take home, but about 4 hours after it had been removed from the oven, I realized it had been left out at room temperature rather than being placed in the fridge.

According to food safety standards, cooked food should be left out at room temp for no more than 2 hours. What are people’s views on eating food left out for 4 hours? I know people may have different thoughts on different types of food, so here is what we brought home that was left out for about 4 hours: turkey, homemade mac n cheese, Brussels sprouts with bacon.

 

[sringwal]

All of that is fine, but I’d go ahead and throw the Brussels sprouts out, or they will stink up your fridge.

 

[1moretimeagain]

I tend to be overly cautious on food being left out. Though it’s very unlikely to actually be an issue, I would hate to have food poisoning and be cussing myself for being so stupid.

 

[UNCatTech]

I wouldn't worry to much. Just get it really hot when you reheat.

 

[GeeWhy]

I'm against it. Food being left out, that is.

 

[dcphx]

Can't expect to be strong if you never lift some weights. Give your immune system some time in the gym.

 

[wmheel1287]

For my ENTIRE childhood, my grandmother simply threw a sheet over the kitchen table after Sunday lunch and then pulled it off for Sunday dinner.

The food is fine.

I still routinely leave food out on the counter and eat it again hours later as leftovers.

 

[ZenMode]

I'm against it. Food being left out, that is.

It's 2024. We should allow all food in.