Can a pot of freshly cooked food, like soup or stew, be left out overnight without spoiling?

It is not recommended to leave cooked food out at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly in food that is between 40°F and 140°F (4°C and 60°C), which is known as the 'danger zone.'

Leaving a pot of soup or stew out overnight can increase the risk of foodborne illness, especially if the food contains meat or dairy products. The best way to store cooked food is to refrigerate or freeze it in a shallow container as soon as possible.

If you have accidentally left food out overnight, you should use your senses to determine if it is safe to eat. Look for signs of spoilage, such as an off odor or mold growth. If the food looks or smells suspicious, it is better to be safe than sorry and discard it.