What is the maximum duration cooked food can be left unrefrigerated?

It is important to be cautious with the duration that cooked food is left unrefrigerated in order to avoid the risk of foodborne illness. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), perishable food, such as cooked meat, poultry, and seafood, should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours. This time frame can be shortened to 1 hour if the ambient temperature is above 90 °F (32 °C).

When cooked food is left unrefrigerated for an extended period of time, it creates an environment in which harmful bacteria can grow and multiply. The longer food is left unrefrigerated, the greater the risk of bacterial growth and the potential for foodborne illness.