Hello, I'm a food safety expert with a background in microbiology. It's important to approach the question of consuming food that's been left out overnight with caution, as food safety can vary greatly depending on the type of food, the environment it's been left in, and how it's been stored.

Generally, perishable foods like meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products should not be left out for more than two hours at room temperature. The danger zone for bacterial growth is between 40°F and 140°F (4°C to 60°C), and when food is left in this temperature range for an extended period, it can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria.

However, some foods like bread, dried pasta, and cereals can be safely left out overnight, as they are less likely to harbor bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses. Additionally, if the food has been refrigerated promptly after being left out, it may still be safe to consume, although it's always better to err on the side of caution.

In summary, it's crucial to use your best judgment and consider the specific circumstances of the food in question. When in doubt, it's safer to discard the food rather than risk foodborne illness.

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However, when food is left out like that for more than two hours or overnight, some bacteria release toxins in the food and you can't kill that,�� Hanes says. ... We say anytime a perishable food item has been left out at room temperature for more than two hours, you should throw it away.read more >>