How Long Can Pizza Sit Out?

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That leftover pizza sitting on your counter all night could be a recipe for a trip to the hospital rather than a quick breakfast, warns food safety experts.

At a Glance

Pizza left out overnight is unsafe to eat due to bacterial growth in the “danger zone” (40-140°F)
Pizza should be refrigerated within two hours at room temperature or one hour in warmer conditions
Food poisoning risks include bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter
Properly stored pizza can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for 1-2 months
When in doubt about leftover pizza safety, it’s better to throw it out

The Two-Hour Safety Window

Pizza, a beloved meal for many Americans, presents a particular food safety challenge due to its perishable ingredients. Despite the common practice of leaving pizza out overnight, experts are clear on the risks. According to food safety guidelines, pizza should never sit at room temperature for more than two hours. In warmer conditions above 90°F, that safety window shrinks to just one hour. Beyond this timeframe, bacteria multiply rapidly, potentially reaching dangerous levels that can cause illness.

The reason behind this strict guideline lies in the composition of pizza itself. With high protein content in cheese and toppings like meat and vegetables that contain moisture, pizza creates an ideal environment for bacterial growth when left in what experts call the “danger zone.”

Understanding the Danger Zone

Food safety experts identify the temperature range between 40°F and 140°F (5°C to 57°C) as the “danger zone” where bacteria multiply most rapidly. At room temperature—typically around 68-72°F—pizza sits squarely in this danger zone, creating perfect conditions for harmful pathogens to flourish. Within just 20 minutes at room temperature, bacteria can begin multiplying on your leftover slices.

The most common bacteria that can contaminate pizza include Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter. Consuming food contaminated with these pathogens can lead to food poisoning with symptoms including upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. For certain vulnerable populations—including older adults, young children, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems—these illnesses can be particularly severe.

Proper Storage and Reheating

To keep leftover pizza safe, proper storage is essential. Experts recommend transferring pizza slices to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag before refrigerating. In the refrigerator, pizza remains safe for three to four days. For longer storage, freezing is an option, with pizza maintaining quality for one to two months in the freezer. When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, make sure to reheat them thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill any bacteria that may be present.

Debunking Food Safety Myths

Several myths persist regarding food safety that put people at risk. Perhaps the most dangerous for pizza lovers is the belief that food left out overnight is safe if it looks and smells fine. In reality, harmful bacteria often don’t produce noticeable changes in appearance, smell, or taste. Approximately one in six Americans gets food poisoning annually, with many cases occurring at home when people follow these myths rather than science-based guidelines.

Food safety experts emphasize four key steps to prevent food poisoning: Clean (wash hands and surfaces often), Separate (avoid cross-contamination), Cook (to proper temperatures), and Cool (refrigerate promptly). Following these guidelines, especially prompt refrigeration of leftover pizza, significantly reduces your risk of foodborne illness. When in doubt about the safety of leftover pizza, remember that discarding questionable food is always safer than risking illness.

Sources:

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-long-can-pizza-sit-out