(CNN) – Before you go in for seconds for your Thanksgiving Day meal, you may want to know how long the feast can sit out safely.
According to the USDA, the rule of thumb to keep in mind is the two-hour rule.
This means, once the food is cooked, it should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours.
The rule applies to all perishable foods, including meat, fish and milk products.
But what if the food is on a burner or in a slow cooker to keep warm? Doctors say bacteria can rapidly multiply between 40- and 140-degrees Fahrenheit.
If you’re using appliances to keep the food warmer or colder than that range, then the two-hour rule doesn’t apply.
The foods that will not need to be refrigerated according to the two-hour rule are baked goods like cookies and cakes, dried meat, whole fruits and nuts.
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