How-To Guides · Kitchen
Party and Potluck Food Safety: The 2-Hour Rule
Holiday parties and potlucks mean food sitting out for hours. That's how people get sick. Here are the simple rules from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to keep everyone safe.
1. The Danger Zone
Bacteria multiply quickly between forty and one hundred forty degrees, the danger zone. So keep hot food at one hundred forty or hotter, and cold food at forty or colder.
2. The 2-Hour Rule
Don't leave food out for more than two hours. If it's hotter than ninety degrees, like a summer picnic, make that one hour.
3. Use Small Platters
Instead of one big platter, set out a few small ones. Keep the rest in the fridge or oven, and swap in fresh platters, instead of piling new food on top of old.
4. Keep Hot Food Hot
Slow cookers, warming trays, and chafing dishes keep hot food above one hundred forty degrees.
5. Keep Cold Food Cold
For cold food, set the serving bowl inside a bigger bowl of ice.
6. After The Party
Put leftovers in the fridge within two hours. Anything that sat out longer, throw it away. When in doubt, throw it out.
Tools that make this easier
Simple Google Sheets + Excel tools from WiscHaven. Buy once, no subscription.
Checked against the official sources above. Steps can change as apps update - tell us if something looks different: wischavenindustries@gmail.com