Is it OK to eat pizza that has been left out overnight?

Bread and tomatoes, for example, should not be refrigerated—and that’s roughly two-thirds of a pizza, correct? So, can we keep our pizza on the counter instead of playing refrigerator?

Falling asleep without removing your contacts or cleaning your teeth—three things that can occur after a long night out. We all know it’s probably not a good idea, but how horrible is eating leftover pizza? Can it really be so bad if we made it through our twenties without suffering from severe food poisoning? Read on to learn more on this issues.

Is it OK to eat pizza that has sat at room temperature for hours?

Let’s get right to the point: “It’s not safe to eat pizza that’s been left out overnight, Pizza is considered a perishable food and if left out can cause bacteria to grow and lead to possible foodborne illnesses such as [those caused by] Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli and Campylobacter. Bacteria frequently develop on food in the ‘Danger Zone,’ which ranges from 40°F to 140°F. Perishable foods should be stored at 40°F or lower.” That means you need to put food in your refrigerator.

Pizza, like other perishable foods, should not be ingested if it has been at room temperature—or anywhere in the 40°F to 140°F danger zone—for more than two hours. Furthermore, if the temperature exceeds 90°F, perishable food should not be left out for more than an hour, according to USDA guidelines.

What are the dangers of eating pizza that has been sitting out overnight?

Any bacteria on your leftover pizza multiply swiftly in the danger zone between 40°F and 140°F, doubling in as little as 20 minutes. That means you’re greatly increasing your risk of being exposed to foodborne pathogens—and perhaps coming down. If you eat that slice on the counter when you wake up, you could get a foodborne illness.

What Symptoms Should I Watch Out For? What Should I Do if I Become Sick?

Be on the alert for gastrointestinal symptoms such as cramps, stomach discomfort, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and fever. “The onset of symptoms may occur within minutes to weeks and often presents itself as flu-like symptoms,. Because the symptoms are often flu-like, many people may not recognize that the illness is caused by harmful bacteria or other pathogens in food.

While many cases of food poisoning heal on their own, if your symptoms are severe or last for more than 24 hours, you should seek medical assistance. Furthermore, children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with compromised immune systems are more vulnerable to foodborne illness and should seek medical assistance right once if food poisoning is suspected, according to the USDA.

But I’ve eaten pizza that sat out and haven’t gotten sick—why?

If pizza that has been sitting out is so harmful. “Many individuals may choose to indulge in pizza that’s been sitting out overnight and not get sick,While many cases of food poisoning heal on their own, if your symptoms are severe or persist more than 24 hours, you should consult a doctor. Furthermore, children, pregnant people, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems are more vulnerable to foodborne illness and should seek medical assistance as soon as food poisoning is suspected, according to the USDA.

How About a Vegan or Meatless Pizza? If it sat out, may I still eat it?

Regretfully, regardless of the type of pizza you omitted, the same guidelines about food safety apply. “The safe period for different kinds of pizza does not vary, If the pizza contains cheese and meat, or if you’re enjoying a vegetarian or vegan pizza, both contain perishable items that can collect bacteria if not stored properly.

Alright, I’m Sold. How Should I Now Safely Store My Pizza?

Putting any leftover pizza in an airtight container or securely wrapping it before gettingplace it in the refrigerator. The USDA states that leftovers, including pizza, should be refrigerated for three to four days. Pizza can also be frozen; while it will keep forever, it is best consumed within three months for maximum flavor and texture. In order to prevent creating a haven for bacteria, Thawing leftovers in the refrigerator rather than on the counter, citing USDA food safety recommendations. In order to guarantee food safety, USDA also advise aiming for an interior temperature of 165°F while reheating meals.

Conclusion:

Perhaps in the past, you were able to consume pizza that had been left out without facing any repercussions.That doesn’t guarantee you won’t get hurt again, though. Therefore, avoid the danger of contracting a foodborne illness by throwing that pizza in the trash or compost bin if it sits out overnight. Even better, store any leftovers in the refrigerator for the following day so you may reheat them.