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How long can food be left out of the fridge?
The short answer
Chilled food can be out of the fridge for up to 4 hours, then it must be thrown away. Cooked food you are cooling should go into the fridge within one to two hours.
Last checked 25 September 2026 against official guidance · see the sources.
| Food | Time limit | Then |
|---|---|---|
| Chilled food out of the fridge (e.g. on display) | Up to 4 hours | Throw it away. If under 4 hours, it can go back in the fridge. |
| Cooked food being cooled | Into the fridge within 1 to 2 hours | Keep it at 8°C or below (ideally 5°C) |
| Hot food held below 63°C | Up to 2 hours | Cool it to 8°C or below, or throw it away |
Cooling cooked food quickly
- Split large batches into smaller portions or shallow trays.
- Stir soups and sauces, or stand the pan in cold water or iced water.
- Use a blast chiller if you have one.
- Label cooled food with the date so everyone knows when it was made.
A figure of 90 minutes for cooling is often repeated online. Current GOV.UK guidance says within one to two hours.
Official sources
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