What should you do with defrosted food that has been left at room temperature?

Defrosted food that has been left at room temperature should be cooked immediately or discarded to ensure food safety. When food is defrosted, particularly at room temperature, there is a significant risk of bacterial growth. The danger zone for food temperatures, where bacteria can multiply rapidly, is between 40°F and 140°F (4°C and 60°C). If food has been left out for more than two hours in this temperature range, it can become unsafe to eat due to the potential growth of harmful pathogens.

Cooking the food immediately after it has been defrosted is a way to eliminate these bacteria, making the food safe to consume. If the food cannot be cooked immediately, the best practice is to discard it rather than risk foodborne illness. This approach prioritizes health and safety, aligning with best practices for food handling and storage.