I've seen huge flats of eggs left outside shops in Hong Kong.

So what's the theory behind bacteria multiplying in sealed hot food in the fridge?

Anonymous wrote:I used to eat all sorts of meat, rice and veggie dishes sitting at room temp all day long at food stalls growing up. I think it toughened up my immune system. I bet if Americans had the same food they'd end up with a stomach ache.

I dunno, I am American and I do that. I let just-cooked food sit up to 2 hours to cool before putting in the fridge, and when I take my lunch to work, it sits out until I eat it - anywhere between 12:30 and 2:30 pm. Haven't had any problems. When I lived in Japan, my host family would leave soup or curry out all night in the winter -- granted it was pretty cold, about 45 or 50 degrees inside. Sometimes it would sit out for a couple of days; we'd just heat it up when needed. Never had any problems there either.

Of course I wouldn't do this with something like raw or seared fish, nor dairy products like yogurt. But I've done it with seared beef (medium, so not totally cooked through) and been fine. Cheese, too.

The filapino women I work with don't put anything in the frig EVER. And they never get sick...but I got so sick once, and never eat anything they bring. It's sad, be because it's delicious.

I used to eat all sorts of meat, rice and veggie dishes sitting at room temp all day long at food stalls growing up. I think it toughened up my immune system. I bet if Americans had the same food they'd end up with a stomach ache.

Our meals often last more than 30 minutes and I don't throw everything on the table out. I would proabbly eat the rice and beans because it is cooked and does not have any meat in it. Of course I do still lick the spoon after making brownies so I am clearly living a risky life!

I think 1/2 is TOTALLY fine!

I grew up eating my bagged school lunches (meat, cheese, fruit, etc) at room temperature (no ice pack), for hours, in a locker. I turned out alive and healthy. My children do the same now.

I think rice and beans at room temp would be fine. Then again, I grew up with a German grandma who always left butter covered on the counter. I also spent some time in France, and they would leave eggs on the counter in a bowl. No one ever died or even got sick. So, IMO, go for it. I think we Americans are hyper conscientious about refrigerating stuff. I'm sure there will be dissenting opinions.

Yes, they can go bad and no I wouldn't eat it.

Food has to be kept at 40 degrees or below. I used to work in food service. If food was left out, 30 minutes was the cut off point for when food starts to get warm and we were told to toss it. After food starts to get warm, bacteria starts multiplying. I don't remember the statistic, but probably thousands a minute and millions after that.. They same goes for food that is sealed and put in the fridge while still hot.

What are your personal guidelines on this? I am probably over cautious bc I never know if the food would be ok. For example, I got a serving of rice and lentils for lunch which turned out to be huge. The leftovers sat on my desk for about 5 hrs. Normally I'd toss it but part of me thinks how can rice and beans go bad?