What is the maximum recommended time for leaving cooked food at room temperature?

The maximum recommended time for leaving cooked food at room temperature is two hours. This guideline is based on food safety principles established to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. When cooked food is left out at room temperature, it creates an environment where bacteria can multiply rapidly, especially in the "danger zone" of 40°F to 140°F (4°C to 60°C).

After two hours, the risk of foodborne illnesses significantly increases as bacteria can reach potentially harmful levels. Therefore, it's crucial to refrigerate or consume cooked food within this two-hour window to ensure food safety. This standard helps maintain the quality and safety of the food being served. Other time frames suggested are often unsafe; for instance, four hours and six hours greatly exceed the safe limit, while one hour may not account for all environments where food may be left out.