Expert: Carol Schlitt - 1/28/2007

Question
How long will a gyro last un-refrigerated

Answer
Hi Emmett,

Since a gyro usually contains meat the recommendation is if the food is in the danger zone for over 2 hours (the danger zone is 40 - 140 degrees F)then it should be pitched.

So -- 2 hours.

FYI -- restaurants have 6 hours to get hot food (over 140 degrees) to refrigerator temperature (40 degrees) However, they need to do it in a refrigerator -- not at room temperature. Potentially hazardous foods (meat, dairy, eggs, etc)should not be allowed to stand at room temperature.  They should be either in hot holding or in cold holding. Un-refrigerated is not one of the options!!!

For consumers we say potentially hazardous foods can be unrefrigerated up to 2 hours -- after that it should be pitched.

I hope this has answered your questions.  If I can be of further assistance, please let me know.

Carol