Yogurt is a popular yogurt snack, known for its tangy flavor and creamy texture. While yogurt is generally considered safe to eat fresh, there are guidelines to follow to ensure its freshness and quality for a shorter period of time. This article outlines the appropriate time frame for keeping yogurt out of the refrigerator and the signs to watch for that may indicate it has gone bad.
How Long Can a Yogurt Sit Out
The 'two-hour rule' is the most common guideline for storing yogurt at room temperature. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), you should not leave yogurt out at room temperature for more than two hours or one hour if the temperature is above 90°F (32°C). This recommendation is based on the rapid growth of bacteria in a warm environment, which can lead to the production of spoilage byproducts that can cause food poisoning.
Shelf Life of Yogurt
The expiration date on the yogurt container usually indicates when it should be_discarded, regardless of the 'use by', 'sell by', or 'best before' dates. However, yogurt that has been properly stored and handled can last for several days to a couple of weeks beyond the expiration date, depending on factors such as temperature and humidity.
Keeping Yogurt Fresh
To maintain freshness for a short time frame, store yogurt in the coldest part of the refrigerator to minimize heat and light exposure. Use clean containers with tight lids and store yogurt separately from other foods in the fridge to reduce the risk of contamination. If yogurt has been left out of the refrigerator for two hours or less, it can often be returned to the refrigerator within the original container with no reduction in shelf life.
signs of bad yogurt
To ensure yogurt is safe to eat, watch for signs of spoilage, such as a bloated container, unusual liquid separation, or visible mold. If yogurt has any of these signs, it should be discarded and not consumed. If there are doubts about yogurt's quality, it is always safer to err on the side of caution and discard it rather than risk potential Food poisoning.
