Will winter meals spoil if they are not stored in the refrigerator

Whether winter meals will spoil without being stored in the refrigerator depends on the ambient temperature and storage time. In a low temperature and well ventilated environment, it may not deteriorate in a short period of time; If the temperature is high or stored for a certain period of time, there is still a risk of corruption. In winter, indoor temperatures are usually lower, especially in northern regions where heating is insufficient, and the room temperature may be close to the refrigeration temperature of a refrigerator. The microbial reproduction rate of meals slows down under low temperature environment, especially for starch staple foods and low moisture foods such as Mantou and pancakes. It is usually safe to store them in a dry and ventilated place for half a day. High protein foods such as meat and soy products can be stored for a slightly longer time below 10 degrees Celsius, but it is recommended not to exceed 4 hours.

In the southern winter, humid environments or heated rooms may exceed 20 degrees Celsius, and the rate of food spoilage is not significantly different from that in summer. Green leafy vegetables are prone to producing nitrite at room temperature, and high-risk foods such as cold dishes and dairy products may breed pathogenic bacteria within 2 hours in a warm environment. Leftovers that are repeatedly heated are more prone to spoilage due to moisture loss and structural damage, and it is not recommended to store them overnight even in low temperature environments. Regardless of the season, prolonged exposure of food to the air poses a hygiene hazard. It is recommended to make reasonable judgments based on the type of food and the temperature and humidity of the environment. Cooked food should be consumed within 2 hours or stored refrigerated as much as possible. For immunocompromised individuals such as the elderly and children, strict adherence to food safety principles should be followed to avoid consuming room temperature foods stored for extended periods of time. If there is any odor, discoloration or texture change in the food, it should be immediately discarded and not eaten.