Max time for ribs to be out for prepping?

[Cheech and Chong]

How long is it safe to keep ribs out of the refrigerator for prepping before you get them on the smoker?

 

[SMOKE FREAK]

I prep them and put them back in the fridge (unwrapped) while I heat up the grill or smoker of choice.

If they do sit out it's not long enough to get to room temp.

 

[Iroquois]

USDA 2 Hour Rule
"KNOWLEDGE ARTICLE
Leaving food out too long at room temperature can cause bacteria (such as Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella Enteritidis, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Campylobacter) to grow to dangerous levels that can cause illness. Bacteria grow most rapidly in the range of temperatures between 40 °F and 140 °F, doubling in number in as little as 20 minutes. This range of temperatures is often called the "Danger Zone."

Never leave food out of refrigeration over 2 hours. If the temperature is above 90 °F, food should not be left out more than 1 hour."

 

[SmittyJonz]

2 hrs 17 minutes