How long can a grazing platter sit out?

What is the 2-hour/4-hour rule?

The guide counts the total time perishable food spends out of the fridge, not just the last stretch, and that includes time in transit. Bacteria grow fastest between 5 and 60 degrees Celsius, which is why the clock matters.

Here is how the guide works in plain terms. On a hot day, treat the times as upper limits and aim for less.

• Under 2 hours in total: serve it or put it back in the fridge.
• Between 2 and 4 hours: serve it, but do not put it back in the fridge.
• More than 4 hours: throw it out.

Which grazing foods need the most care?

Not every item on a platter carries the same risk. Here is a general guide.

• Take the most care with cold meats, soft cheeses, dips, smoked salmon, cooked items such as sausage rolls, cut fruit and anything with cream.
• Crackers, bread, dried fruit, nuts and chocolate are less of a safety worry. They last longer out, but they can go stale or melt.
• Take extra care if guests include young children, older people, pregnant women or anyone with a weakened immune system.

How do I keep a platter safe at a party?

A few simple habits keep a platter within the 2-hour limit. Ordering the right amount helps too, because less left over means less to store. See how many people a grazing box feeds to choose a size.

• Keep the box in the fridge until you're ready to serve.
• Note the time when the food comes out, so you know when 2 hours is up.
• If you have several boxes, put one out at a time and keep the others in the fridge.
• Keep platters out of direct sun, and cover them between rounds of grazing.
• On a hot day, set a platter on a tray of ice, or serve in smaller rounds.
• Use clean serving utensils so guests aren't picking with their hands.

What about offices, meetings and tables?

Boxes are delivered in one-hour slots between 9am and 3pm, so choose a slot close to when you'll eat, and put the box in the office fridge if there is a gap. For a team lunch at 12.30pm, a slot of 12pm to 1pm works better than 9am to 10am.

For a long workshop, serve in rounds rather than leaving everything out all day. Our office catering ideas guide has more on matching food to meetings.

A grazing table is set up at your venue up to 2 hours before the event starts. For a long event, tell us the start and finish times when you enquire, and we'll help you plan. Tables need at least 5 days' notice.

How should I store grazing platter leftovers?

Leftovers follow the same rules. Use airtight containers, or cover the food tightly before it goes in the fridge. If you aren't sure how long something has been out, throw it out.

• Out for less than 2 hours: refrigerate it, and eat it within a couple of days.
• Out for 2 to 4 hours: eat it that day, and don't put it back in the fridge.
• Out for more than 4 hours: throw it out.