You probably know its not a great idea, but just how bad is it?

To find out, I checked with food safety experts from the USDA and the Cleveland Clinic.

Here’s what they said.

How Long Can Pizza Sit Out & Still Be Safe to Eat?

Let’s cut to the chase.

Perishable foods need to be kept at 40F or below."

That means foodincluding leftover pizzaneeds to go into your fridge.

Why Haven’t I Gotten Sick From Eating Pizza That Was Left Out?

Ultimately, you probably just got lucky if you ate pizza that sat out and felt fine.

Is It Safe to Eat Meatless or Vegan Pizza That Sat Out?

Sorry to say, the same food safety rules apply no matter what kind of pizza you left out.

“The safe period for different kinds of pizza does not vary,” says Sedlacek.