Dear Heloise: My sons and I have this running disagreement. I keep cooked meat out on the stove or counter if it will be used again the same day.

When I was growing up, we kept leftovers from Sunday lunch for supper and nothing happened, and there was no air conditioning. I need to know what is the safe amount of time to leave cooked meat out. Thank you.

— Pat Z., Warren, Ohio

Safe is relative! What is the temperature in the kitchen? What is the food? How was it prepared? Leaving cooked food out on the counter or stove until the next mealtime isn't a good idea. The rule of thumb is generally to put cooked meat and poultry dishes into the fridge as soon as possible to avoid problems.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, many deaths and food-related illnesses can be attributed to food being left out on the counter at room temperature! Food should be refrigerated promptly, no matter what the season, because bacteria grow so rapidly at room temperatures.

— Heloise

© King Features Syndicate Inc.