5 Popular Meals Become Harmful When Left Out Too Long

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Below are several commonly eaten meals that should never be left at room temperature for more than two hours:

1. Cooked Rice

Rice is a staple food in many households, but once it’s cooked, it becomes a breeding ground for a bacteria called Bacillus cereus. If cooked rice is left out for hours, especially in warm conditions, this bacteria can multiply rapidly. Reheating it won’t always kill the toxins. To stay safe, store leftover rice in the fridge within 1 to 2 hours.

2. Chicken Dishes

Cooked chicken — whether roasted, fried, or grilled — is highly perishable. Leaving it out on the table or in a takeout box for too long can allow Salmonella or Clostridium perfringens to grow. These bacteria can lead to nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. Always refrigerate leftover chicken quickly.

3. Creamy Pasta or Dairy-Based Sauces

Dishes like Alfredo pasta or mac and cheese contain milk, cream, or cheese — all of which spoil quickly. Dairy is particularly prone to bacterial growth when left out. If your creamy pasta has been unrefrigerated for more than two hours, it’s safer to toss it than to risk food poisoning.

4. Eggs and Egg-Based Meals

Egg salad, deviled eggs, or even breakfast burritos with eggs should never be left out on the counter for hours. Eggs can harbor Salmonella, especially when mixed with mayo or dairy. If you’re taking egg-based meals on the go, keep them cold with an ice pack.

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