How long should non-vegetarian food be kept in lunch box?

Non-vegetarian foods often enter the danger zone when they are packed in lunch boxes and left at room temperature for several hours. This is particularly worrying in hot climates or during the summer months, when room temperatures can easily exceed 20 °C (68 °F).

Under such conditions, bacteria such as Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus can spread rapidly in cooked chicken or meat, leading to a high risk of food poisoning.

Raw or undercooked meat: These may contain bacteria (Campylobacter, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus), which can multiply rapidly if not stored properly.

Seafood: Fish, shrimp and other seafood spoil quickly at room temperature and are best avoided unless they can be stored in the refrigerator.

Dairy-Based Sauces: Meat or poultry cooked in creamy or dairy-based sauces (such as butter chicken or creamy pasta) tend to spoil quickly due to the perishable nature of dairy products.