How long can food be stored without a refrigerator: take notes so that it does not spoil

Food can be left out of the fridge for a variety of reasons. Either you're bringing food from the store or you just forgot to clear the dishes from the table. However, it's worth remembering that food can't stay out of the fridge for long.

The Mirror magazine told us about the main rule for keeping any food fresh and safe. If it is violated, eating it can be dangerous.

A food waste expert shared a helpful "two-hour rule" that everyone should follow when it comes to putting leftovers in the fridge.

There are dishes that taste better the day after cooking, but proper storage is key.

Paul Jackson, a waste expert at NRC Business Waste, advises following the "two-hour rule" in refrigerator food storage. According to Paul, this prevents harmful bacteria from growing.

"The maximum time that food can stay in the danger zone (4 to 60°C) is two hours. Within two hours, the food must be eaten, properly stored or thrown away. This includes all cooked leftovers, cut fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy products."

Paul added that neglecting to refrigerate food in the kitchen can have dangerous consequences due to the rapid growth of bacteria. He warns, "Bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli can double in just 20 minutes at temperatures between 4 and 60 degrees, making your food unsafe to eat."

He goes on to emphasize the importance of refrigeration, especially in high temperatures, "On a hot day, food should only be refrigerated after an hour, as the ambient temperature favors the rapid growth of bacteria. This increases the risk of food poisoning if cooked food is left at 32°C for more than 60 minutes."

And during the hot summer months, food should be refrigerated within an hour, as the ambient temperature favors the rapid growth of bacteria. This increases the risk of food poisoning if cooked food is left at 32°C for more than 60 minutes.