The 4-hour and 48-hour rules
- Fridge: safe up to 4 hours if kept closed.
- Full freezer: safe up to 48 hours if kept closed.
- Half-full freezer: about 24 hours.
What to toss
Any perishable (meat, dairy, eggs, cooked rice/pasta, cut produce) held above 4°C / 40°F for more than 2 hours. When in doubt, throw it out.
What is safe
Condiments, hard cheeses, butter, fresh whole fruit and veg, bread, jam, peanut butter.
Refreezing
Food that still has ice crystals or is below 4°C may be refrozen, but quality will drop.