What is advisable to do with leftovers after 2 hours at room temperature?

After food has been left out at room temperature for more than two hours, it is advisable to dispose of it due to the risk of bacterial growth. Food that is not kept at a safe temperature (below 40°F or above 140°F) can become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, which can lead to foodborne illnesses. The "two-hour rule" is a standard guideline in food safety that helps ensure the safety of food products.

When food is left at room temperature for longer than this recommended time, the chance of pathogens multiplying increases significantly. Simply refrigerating or reheating the food may not eliminate the toxins that bacteria can produce while the food was in the danger zone, which is the temperature range where bacteria thrive. Therefore, proper handling of leftovers includes disposal after this time frame to maintain food safety and protect health.