The Food Safety "Danger Zone" Timeline

Cooked chicken sits out at a picnic. Click any event — or the dashed "What if?" bar — to see the food safety principle.
Safe Entering danger zone Extended time in zone High risk
The danger zone is 40°F–140°F, where bacteria on food grow fastest. Cooked food left in this range should not sit out longer than 2 hours. Click an event to follow what happens hour by hour.