-
How long can rice, meat and dairy stay out in UAE summer? Food poisoning risks and safe storage rules
-
Food naturally contains bacteria, but heat gives those microorganisms the easiest conditions to multiply.
In fact, cooked food left at room temperature for several hours, may become unsafe as harmful bacteria can grow rapidly, often doubling every 20 minutes, explains Ms Ruba Elhourani, Clinical Dietitian and Head of the Nutrition Department at RAK Hospital. “After about two hours at room temperature, or one hour in hot conditions the risk of foodborne illness increases significantly.” In fact, the US Food Safety and Inspection Service also agrees: Bacteria multiply fastest between 4°C and 60°C (40°F–140°F), often doubling in as little as 20 minutes.
Read More:
