Myth or Truth #1 Fried bacon does not need to be refrigerated. Bacon, when it has been fried until crisp, does not grow bacteria as quickly as many other foods because of its preservatives, high fat content, and low water activity. The Food and Drug Administration requires foods having a water activity above 0.85 to be refrigerated at 41°F or below if not served within 4 hours. However, according to USDA’s Microbiology Division, the water activity of crisp bacon is approxi