What should be done with leftover food that has been sitting out for more than two hours?

Leftover food that has been sitting out for more than two hours should be discarded to prevent foodborne illness. When food is left at room temperature, it enters the "danger zone," which is between 40°F and 140°F. In this range, bacteria can multiply rapidly, potentially reaching levels that can cause illness if consumed.

To ensure food safety, it's crucial to adhere to the guideline that perishable foods should not be left out for longer than two hours. If the temperature is above 90°F, this time is reduced to one hour. Discarding food that has been out too long is a necessary precaution to safeguard health. Reheating or consuming such food may not eliminate the toxins or pathogens that have developed during the time it was improperly stored.