HUMAN NUTRITION

Detailed explanation-1: -Potato salad is safe to leave out of the refrigerator for one to two hours max-but it’s not the mayonnaise that will make you sick. Leaving potato salad out at room temperature may be one of the oldest potluck, picnic, BBQ, block party, and cookout concerns around.

Detailed explanation-2: -Potato salad, like most perishable foods, cannot sit out for more than two hours, and closer to only one hour when the temperature is above 90°F and you’re dining outside.

Detailed explanation-3: -Potato salad is a common staple for barbecues, picnics, and cookouts during the summer, where it may be in direct sunlight at temperatures much higher than what you’d usually consider “room temperature.” In these circumstances, it can only be left out for one hour before potentially harmful bacteria may start to grow.

Detailed explanation-4: -Pour ice into the metal bowl or tray, then line the interior of the bowl or tray with plastic wrap to prevent the ice from watering down the potato salad when it melts. Once the interior is lined and the ice is covered with plastic wrap, pour the potato salad into the bowl and store until it’s time to serve.

Detailed explanation-5: -Bacteria grow most rapidly in the range of temperatures between 40 °F and 140 °F, doubling in number in as little as 20 minutes. This range of temperatures is often called the “Danger Zone.” Never leave food out of refrigeration over 2 hours.