Can hard boiled eggs left on stove in warm water for 2 hours still be consumed?

It's not safe to eat hard-boiled eggs left in warm water for 2 hours. Here's why:

* Bacteria Growth: Warm temperatures are ideal for bacteria growth. Leaving eggs in warm water for an extended time creates a breeding ground for bacteria, even if the eggs were initially cooked properly.

* Foodborne Illness: Consuming bacteria-contaminated eggs can lead to foodborne illnesses like Salmonella poisoning, causing symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps.

The safest approach is:

* Refrigerate promptly: After boiling eggs, immediately transfer them to cold water to cool down quickly.

* Refrigerate for up to a week: Refrigerated hard-boiled eggs are safe to eat for up to a week.

It's better to err on the side of caution and discard any eggs left in warm water for an extended period.