How Long Can Yogurt Sit Out Before It Becomes Unsafe To Eat?
Question: How long can yogurt be left out of the fridge before it becomes unsafe to eat?
Answer: You can safely leave yogurt out at room temperature for two hours — or one hour if the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit — says the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Yogurt that has been left out for longer than 2 hours (or 1 hour above 90° F) should be discarded. The reason is that bacteria grow rapidly when yogurt is left out at temperatures between 40° F and 140° F.
If you’re packing some yogurt for lunch and don’t expect to be eating it within two hours of leaving home, be sure to include an ice pack along with the yogurt to keep it colder, and safer, longer.
At home, always try to put a container of yogurt back into the fridge as soon as possible. Assuming it’s been kept constantly refrigerated, an opened container of yogurt will keep well for about 1 to 2 weeks after the sell-by date on the package.
See Also:
Is Yogurt Still Safe After the Sell-By Date?
How Long Can Cheese Be Left Out?
