How Long Can Yogurt Sit Out? And More Food Safety Questions, Answered
Briefly

Yogurt, originally created to preserve fresh milk, exhibits unique longevity characteristics that set it apart from other dairy products. While the U.S. Department of Health advises discarding yogurt after two hours at room temperature, experts suggest that it can potentially sit out for up to four hours safely. The fermentation process used to create yogurt enhances its probiotic qualities, which not only provide health benefits but also create an environment that is less conducive for harmful bacteria growth. Factors like yogurt type and storage conditions greatly influence its resilience.
"Yogurt was born as a means of preserving fresh milk, thousands of years before refrigerators were invented, yet modern storage practices may misjudge its longevity."
"The act of producing yogurt keeps milk fresh longer than it would ever otherwise last without guided intervention, making it a unique food staple in terms of resilience."
Read at cooking.nytimes.com
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