can you eat pizza left out overnight

It is not safe to eat pizza that has been left out overnight. Pizza is a perishable food, and when left at room temperature for more than two hours, it enters the "danger zone" (between 40°F and 140°F) where bacteria can rapidly grow, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. Even if it seems fine, harmful bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and Campylobacter can multiply on pizza left out too long. Experts recommend refrigerating leftover pizza within two hours and consuming it within three to four days. Eating pizza left out overnight can cause gastrointestinal symptoms like stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, and can be especially dangerous for children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.