How fast do oysters go bad at room temp?

Oysters, like most other seafood, are highly perishable and can go bad quickly at room temperature. The ideal temperature to store fresh oysters is between 35 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit (2 to 4 degrees Celsius). At room temperature, oysters can start to spoil within a few hours. The following timeline provides a general idea of how long oysters can stay at room temperature before they become unsafe to eat:

Within 2 hours: Oysters may still be safe to consume, but their quality will start to decline.

2-4 hours: Oysters may start to develop an unpleasant odor and flavor, and their texture may become soft and watery.

4-6 hours: Oysters are likely to become unsafe to eat and may cause foodborne illness if consumed.

It's important to note that these timeframes can vary depending on the specific storage conditions and the initial quality of the oysters. To ensure food safety, it's best to keep oysters refrigerated below 40°F and to consume them as soon as possible after opening. If you're not sure whether the oysters are still good, it's always better to err on the side of caution and discard them.