If a pot of turkey meatballs and red sauce is left out overnight, can it still be eaten?

Leaving perishable foods out at room temperature for an extended period of time can lead to bacterial growth, which can cause foodborne illnesses. In general, it is not recommended to eat turkey meatballs and red sauce that have been left out overnight, as they may have reached a temperature where bacteria can grow and multiply. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends that perishable foods, such as meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products, be refrigerated within 2 hours of being cooked or removed from the refrigerator. If the temperature is above 90°F, they should be refrigerated within 1 hour.

If the turkey meatballs and red sauce have been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, it is best to discard them to avoid the risk of food poisoning. This is especially important if the food was left out in a warm or humid environment, such as a kitchen or dining room.

When in doubt, it is better to err on the side of caution and throw out food that may be unsafe to eat. Proper food safety practices, such as storing food at the appropriate temperature, can help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.