If a pot of turkey meatballs and red sauce is left out overnight, is it still safe to consume?

It is not safe to consume a pot of turkey meatballs and red sauce that has been left out overnight. When food is left at room temperature for an extended period of time, bacteria can grow and produce toxins that can make you sick. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends that perishable food should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours. This includes cooked meat, poultry, and other perishable items such as dairy products and cooked vegetables.

If the pot of turkey meatballs and red sauce has been left out for more than two hours, it should be discarded. If the room temperature is above 90°F (32°C), food should not be left out for more than one hour.

To keep your food safe, it is important to store it properly. Cooked food should be stored in shallow containers and placed in the refrigerator or freezer within two hours of cooking. If the food is still warm, it should be cooled down first before placing it in the refrigerator or freezer. To reheat leftovers, use a food thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before eating.