Think of temperatures between 40°F and 140°F as the “Danger Zone.” Your kitchen counter is smack-dab in the middle of it. Bacteria double every 20 minutes in that range. Every. 20. Minutes.
After two hours, the bacterial population can get high enough to give you a really terrible night. We’re talking bathroom floor quality time. Trust me, your upcoming weekend plans don’t need that.
What if it’s a hot day? Or you’re eating outside?
Good question! If the temperature is above 90°F (like a summer BBQ or a stuffy apartment), you only have one hour. That’s not a typo. The heat is a bacterial speed booster. Your salmon is basically running a marathon in a sauna.
So if you’re at a picnic and the sun is blazing, eat up fast or toss it back in the cooler. Don’t be the person who takes a nap with the salmon sitting next to the potato salad.
