What should be done with leftover food that has been sitting out at room temperature for more than 2 hours?

Leftover food that has been sitting out at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be discarded because it poses a significant risk for foodborne illness. The USDA and other health organizations recommend the "2-hour rule," which indicates that perishable foods should not be left in the temperature danger zone—between 40°F and 140°F—where bacteria can multiply rapidly. After 2 hours, the safety of the food cannot be guaranteed, and consuming it could lead to food poisoning.

Reheating the food or consuming it immediately would not eliminate the potential risk that comes from bacteria that may have developed during that time. Simply placing the food in the freezer does not make it safe either, as it doesn’t eliminate harmful bacteria already present, and once thawed, the risks would still apply. Thus, the most responsible and safe choice is to discard any perishable food that has been left out for too long to prevent health risks.