Randy Chandler
We've all been there: you order a large cheese pizza with the intention of devouring the whole thing, but a few slices in, you're too full to continue. You plan to save the rest for another day, but then you wake up to find that you forgot to put the leftovers in the fridge. So, what now? Is it safe to eat cheese pizza that's been left out all night, or should you toss it?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | It is unsafe to eat cheese pizza left out all night. |
| Food Safety Rules | Food should not be kept in the temperature range of 40°F to 140°F for more than two hours. |
| Bacteria | Bacteria can accumulate on food left at room temperature for two hours. |
| Foodborne Illnesses | Eating pizza left out overnight can lead to foodborne illnesses such as Staphylococcus aureus and E. |
| Symptoms | Flu-like symptoms like fever, chills, vomiting, and sweating can occur from food poisoning. |
| Prevention | Store leftover pizza in an airtight container or wrap it tightly before placing it in the fridge or freezer. |
| Reheating | Reheat pizza in the oven, microwave, air fryer, or stove to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature. |
| Storage Time | Leftover pizza can be stored in the fridge for three to four days or frozen for up to three months. |
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What You'll Learn
Bacteria can accumulate on cheese pizza left out for two hours
Pizza is a perishable food, and if left out, it can cause bacteria to grow and lead to possible foodborne illnesses. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), bacteria can start to accumulate on food after being left at room temperature for just two hours. This is because, at room temperature, any bacteria present on the pizza can double in number in as little as 20 minutes.
The USDA recommends that pizza and other perishable foods follow the 2-hour rule. If pizza has been left out at room temperature for more than two hours, it should not be consumed. If the temperature is above 90°F (32.2°C), perishable food should not be left out for more than an hour.
In an experiment conducted by ClickOnDetroit, a pepperoni pizza that was left out for six hours had 2,600 microbial cells per gram. This is a significant number of microbes and indicates that leaving pizza out can lead to microbial growth.
Another experiment conducted by News4JAX found high levels of contamination in a pizza that had been left out for four hours before refrigeration. The pizza that was left out for two hours had a different type of growth, likely due to how it was handled, as bacteria can be transferred from hands to food.
Therefore, it is essential to follow food safety guidelines and refrigerate or freeze leftover pizza to prevent the accumulation of bacteria and the risk of foodborne illnesses.
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Foodborne illnesses from eating pizza left out overnight
Pizza is a perishable food, and if left out, it can cause bacteria to grow and lead to possible foodborne illnesses. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), bacteria begin to accumulate on food after being left at room temperature for just two hours. This is especially true for pizza, which often contains perishable items such as cheese and meat that can quickly collect bacteria if not stored properly.
The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service recommends that perishable food either be consumed, refrigerated, or frozen within two hours of being at room temperature to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. If the temperature is above 90°F, perishable food should not sit out for more than an hour. Bacteria that are present on leftover pizza can grow rapidly in the temperature range of 40°F to 140°F, which is considered the "Danger Zone" by the USDA, and can double in number in as little as 20 minutes. This rapid growth of bacteria increases the risk of being exposed to foodborne pathogens and possible foodborne illnesses.
Foodborne illnesses caused by consuming pizza that has been left out overnight can vary in severity. While some people may experience no symptoms or only mild gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, others may develop more serious complications. Children, pregnant women, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of experiencing severe complications from foodborne illnesses and should seek medical attention immediately if food poisoning is suspected.
To prevent foodborne illnesses, it is important to store leftover pizza properly. Instead of leaving it out on the counter, wrap the pizza in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container before storing it in the refrigerator or freezer. Properly stored leftover pizza can last in the fridge for up to four days and in the freezer for up to three months.
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Proper storage methods to prevent bacterial growth on leftover pizza
Pizza is a perishable food that can cause bacteria to grow and lead to possible foodborne illnesses if left out. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) states that bacteria begin to accumulate on food after being left at room temperature for just two hours. Therefore, it is important to store leftover pizza properly to prevent bacterial growth.
The first step is to ensure your pizza is properly wrapped. Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to cover your pizza, and make sure it is wrapped tightly to keep air out. This will help prevent your pizza from drying out or absorbing any odors from other foods in your refrigerator. You can also use wax or parchment paper to wrap each slice, and then seal the stack with plastic wrap or place it in a resealable bag.
The next step is to store your wrapped pizza in the fridge. Leftover pizza can be kept in the fridge for three to four days. Make sure to place the slices in a single layer on a plate or in a container with a lid to avoid sogginess and provide proper airflow. The ideal temperature for storing leftover pizza is 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you want to keep your leftover pizza for longer than four days, consider freezing it. Frozen pizza will stay good for one to three months. To freeze pizza, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly before putting it in the freezer.
By following these proper storage methods, you can help prevent bacterial growth on your leftover pizza and enjoy it again later without risking foodborne illnesses.
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Reheating methods for leftover pizza
It is not safe to eat cheese pizza that has been left out all night. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), bacteria begin to accumulate on food after being left at room temperature for just two hours. Food safety experts advise against eating pizza that has been left out overnight to prevent the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Now, if you have some leftover pizza that has been stored properly in the refrigerator, there are several reheating methods to choose from to enjoy your pizza again. Here are some of the most popular methods:
Oven
Reheating pizza in the oven is one of the most recommended methods. It can make your leftover pizza almost as good as fresh. Preheat your oven to 375-475°F. If you have a cast-iron skillet or pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats. Once preheated, place your pizza slices directly on the skillet or stone, or on a baking sheet, and bake for 4-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the slices. Keep an eye on your pizza to ensure it doesn't burn, and remove it from the oven once the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted.
Stovetop
Reheating pizza on the stovetop is a quick and convenient method that can deliver excellent results. Use a non-stick or cast-iron skillet for best results. Place your skillet on medium heat and let it get hot. You can add a few drops of water to create steam, which will help melt the cheese. Place your pizza slice in the skillet, cover it with a lid, and cook for 1-2 minutes. Your pizza is ready when the crust is crispy, and the cheese is melted.
Air Fryer
The air fryer is another option for reheating leftover pizza. Place your pizza slice flat in the centre of the air fryer basket and air fry at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. Check your pizza regularly to ensure it doesn't burn, and adjust the time as needed until your pizza is crispy and the cheese is bubbly.
Microwave
While the microwave is not the ideal method for reheating pizza, it can be a quick fix if you're short on time or don't have access to other equipment. Place your pizza slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat it in short intervals to avoid overcooking. The microwave tends to make the crust soggy, so it's best to avoid this method if you're looking for a crispy base.
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Exceptions to the two-hour rule for pizza
Perishable foods like pizza should generally be refrigerated within two hours to prevent bacterial growth, according to food safety guidelines. However, there may be exceptions to this rule, depending on various factors such as the type of pizza, the temperature of the environment, and individual tolerance.
Firstly, the type of pizza can play a role in how long it can be left out. For instance, a pizza with fresh vegetables or fruits as toppings may have a higher tolerance for being left out due to the natural microbial content of these ingredients. In comparison, a cheese pizza might have a shorter safe period when left unrefrigerated.
Secondly, the temperature of the environment is crucial. The USDA states that perishable foods should not be left out at room temperature (or between 40°F and 140°F) for more than two hours. However, if the temperature exceeds 90°F, the safe period decreases to just one hour. Therefore, if the pizza is left out in a cooler environment, it may be safe for a slightly longer duration.
Additionally, individual tolerance and the presence of certain bacteria can also be factors. Some people may have a higher tolerance for bacterial contamination and may not experience any adverse effects from consuming pizza left out overnight. Furthermore, not all bacteria are harmful; some contaminants may be ordinary and harmless, as seen in an experiment conducted by Dr. Theresa Bergholz, where a pizza left out for six hours had a "fairly low level of microbes."
It is important to note that these exceptions do not guarantee the safety of consuming pizza left out for extended periods. The risk of foodborne illness increases when pizza is left out, and some illnesses may not manifest symptoms until weeks later. Therefore, it is generally recommended to adhere to the two-hour rule or refrigerate leftovers to ensure food safety.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not safe to eat cheese pizza that has been left out all night. According to the USDA, bacteria begin to accumulate on food after being left at room temperature for just two hours. This window of time is often referred to as "the danger zone" for food to grow bacteria.
Eating pizza that has been left out all night increases your risk of being exposed to foodborne pathogens and contracting a foodborne illness. This can lead to symptoms such as stomach aches, dehydration, fever, chills, vomiting, and sweating.
The recommended way to store leftover pizza is to wrap each slice in aluminum foil, wax, or parchment paper to prevent dehydration. Then, place the slices in an airtight container or resealable bag and store them in the refrigerator. Leftover pizza can be stored in the fridge for up to four days or in the freezer for up to three months.
