How long can you leave cooked seafood out before it goes bad?

You should never leave cooked seafood out at room temperature for more than two hours.

Here's why:

* Bacteria growth: Bacteria multiply rapidly at room temperature, and seafood is particularly susceptible to spoilage.

* Foodborne illness: Consuming spoiled seafood can lead to serious foodborne illnesses like food poisoning.

Safe Practices:

* Refrigerate promptly: Cooked seafood should be refrigerated within two hours (or one hour if the temperature is above 90°F).

* Store properly: Store cooked seafood in shallow containers to ensure it cools quickly.

* Use within two days: Cooked seafood should be eaten within two days of refrigeration.

Exceptions:

* Seafood served hot: Seafood served hot (above 140°F) can be safely left out for up to four hours.

* Frozen seafood: Frozen seafood can be stored safely for several months.

Always err on the side of caution when it comes to food safety. If you're unsure, it's best to throw it away.