How long can you leave food out after its cooked?

* Perishable foods, such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy products, and cooked rice, should be refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking.

* Leftover pizza, opened deli meats, and cooked pasta or noodles should be refrigerated within 4 hours of cooking.

Unrefrigerated Food

* Uncooked rice and canned goods can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days.

* Baked goods, such as bread and cookies, can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.

* Crackers and chips can be stored at room temperature for up to 5 days.

General Guidelines

* When in doubt, throw it out! If food has been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, it should be discarded.

* Foods that are kept in the refrigerator should be consumed within 3-4 days of cooking.

* Leftover food should be reheated to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before eating.

* When reheating food, do not let it sit out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.