Cooked food sitting at room temperature is in what the USDA calls the “Danger Zone,” which is between 40°F and 140°F. In this range of temperatures, bacteria grows rapidly and the food can become unsafe to eat, so it should only be left out no more than two hours.

How to Freeze Fresh Dumplings. Place the entire tray of dumplings into the freezer uncovered and let them rest until fully frozen, about half an hour, then transfer the frozen dumplings to a zipper-lock freezer bag and squeeze out as much air as possible, seal the bag, and store the dumplings for up to two months.

Freeze the dumplings: If not cooking right away, freeze the dumplings on the baking sheet. Make sure none of the dumplings are touching or they will stick together. Once frozen solid, portion the dumplings into freezer containers and freeze for up to three months.

Maximum allowed time at room temperature is 4 hours then the product cannot be consumed, reheated or cooled again.

Cooking and reheating are the most effective ways to eliminate bacterial hazards in food. Most foodborne bacteria and viruses can be killed when food is cooked or reheated long enough at sufficient high temperature. Cook with strong heat rather than low heat.

Danger Zone! Bacteria multiply rapidly between 40 and 140 degrees. Bacteria will not multiply but may start to die between 140 and 165 degrees. Bacteria will die at temperatures above 212 degrees.

What is the Danger Zone? As the name suggests, the danger zone refers to a temperature range that’s dangerous for foods to be held at. And that range is between 40°F and 140°F.

What foods become toxic in 4 hours of in the temperature danger…

• Milk and dairy products.
• Eggs (except those treated to eliminate microorganisms)
• Meat (beef, pork and lamb)
• Poultry.
• Fish and shellfish.
• Baked Potatoes.
• Heat-treated plant foods (rice, beans, and vegetables)
• Tofu and other soy proteins.