How long can cooked meat be left at room temperature before going bad?

You should never leave cooked meat at room temperature for more than two hours. After that, bacteria start to grow rapidly, which can make you sick.

Here's a breakdown:

* Danger Zone: The "danger zone" for bacteria growth is between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C). Cooked meat left at room temperature falls within this zone.

* Two-Hour Rule: The general rule is that cooked meat should not be left out for more than two hours. This applies to all types of cooked meat, including poultry, beef, pork, and seafood.

* Hot Weather: In hot weather (above 90°F/32°C), reduce the time to one hour.

Here are some tips for keeping cooked meat safe:

* Refrigerate promptly: As soon as your food is done cooking, refrigerate it immediately.

* Use a cooler: If you're taking cooked meat to a picnic or other outdoor event, use a cooler with ice packs to keep it cold.

* Divide into smaller portions: Divide large amounts of cooked meat into smaller containers for faster cooling in the refrigerator.

Remember: It's always better to err on the side of caution and discard any cooked meat that has been left out for longer than the recommended time.