A refrigerated sandwich should not be left outside at room temperature for an extended period. Perishable foods like sandwiches can harbor bacteria and other microorganisms, and leaving them at room temperature creates an environment conducive to bacterial growth, potentially leading to foodborne illnesses.
The general rule of thumb is the "2-hour rule." Perishable foods, including sandwiches, should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. This time frame decreases to 1 hour if the room temperature is above 90°F (32°C). Beyond this time frame, the risk of bacterial growth increases significantly.
If you have a refrigerated sandwich, it's best to consume it or store it back in the refrigerator within two hours of taking it out. If the room temperature is very hot, above 90°F (32°C), then it's even more critical to adhere to the 1-hour rule.
If you're not sure how long a sandwich has been sitting out, it's safer to discard it rather than risk consuming potentially spoiled food. Always prioritize food safety to prevent foodborne illnesses.