Weekend dinner and a movie night! After a long work week, people enjoy a delicious meal prepared for them at a restaurant and then relax with a movie at a theater.
However, just because someone else cooked for you, doesn’t mean you can let your guard down when it comes to food safety. Remember, leftovers are only safe for 2 hours at room temperature and won’t last through a movie.
Food can get contaminated anywhere – so it’s important to always follow sound food safety practices – no matter who prepares the meal or where you eat it.
Two-Hour Rule & The Danger Zone
Bacteria grows rapidly between the temperatures of 40°F and 140°F. Likewise, to help prevent a foodborne illness, remember the two-hour rule.
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The absolute maximum time for leaving prepared foods at room temperature is 2 hours—including time for preparation, serving, and eating. Discard any perishable foods left at room temperature (between the temperatures of 40°F to 140°F) longer than 2 hours. If the temperatures are over 90°F, discard foods after 1 hour.
Food Safety Observations for Dining Out
According to the CDC, restaurants are linked to more food illness outbreaks than any other place where food is prepared. To help you and your friends avoid a food illness, follow some basic food safety observations when dining out:
- Check Inspection Scores
Many state health departments make restaurant health inspection scores available on the web. Check the score before going to the restaurant or check when you get there. - Make Sure the Restaurant Is Clean
Confirm that restaurant tables, floors, and utensils are clean. If not, you may want to take your business elsewhere. - Check That Your Food Is Cooked Thoroughly
Meat, fish, poultry, and eggs should be cooked thoroughly to kill germs. If food is served undercooked or raw, send it back. - Properly Handle Your Leftovers
Taking your food to go? Remember to refrigerate within 2 hours of eating out. If food is left in a hot car or temperatures above 90ºF, refrigerate it within 1 hour. Eat leftovers within 3 to 4 days.
CDC Infographic (Protect Yourself When Eating Out):
- Download: Protect Yourself When Eating Out [PDF]
Summary
Food can get contaminated anywhere – so it’s important to always follow sound food safety practices – no matter who prepares the meal or where you eat it.
