Imani hosts a party, preparing a turkey with several side dishes. Imani’s guests eat until they are stuffed but there is still plenty of food on the table. Even though the party will last until the early hours of the morning, when should Imani wrap and put away the leftovers?

Perishable foods such as cooked turkey and side dishes should not sit at room temperature for more than two hours. Imani should wrap and refrigerate the leftovers within two hours of serving, even if the party continues late into the night. Waiting until guests leave or until morning risks letting harmful bacteria grow.

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