Overview
- On January 1, a primary care physician warned that leftover party dishes pose heightened risks, citing pathogens such as listeria, E. coli, staphylococcus and salmonella.
- Russia’s sanitary rules were reiterated: undressed salads may be refrigerated up to 18 hours, mayonnaise‑ or sauce‑dressed salads generally 6–12 hours depending on composition.
- Multiple experts converge on a practical ceiling of about 12–18 hours in the refrigerator for mixed, mayonnaise‑based salads prepared at home.
- Room‑temperature exposure is flagged as far riskier, with cautions ranging from roughly 30 minutes to no more than 4–6 hours depending on conditions and ingredients.
- To reduce contamination, specialists advise preparing modest portions, keeping ingredients and dressing separate, cooling components before mixing, using hermetic packaging, and discarding food at any doubt of freshness.