Are cooked peas safe to eat if left out overnight?

Cooked peas should not be left out overnight at room temperature, as this can create a favorable environment for bacteria to grow and multiply, potentially leading to foodborne illness.

Cooked peas are a moist and nutritious food, providing an ideal environment for bacterial growth. When left out at room temperature, bacteria can multiply rapidly and reach levels that can cause illness if consumed. Some of the bacteria that may grow on cooked peas include:

Staphylococcus aureus: This bacterium can produce toxins that cause food poisoning. Symptoms of staphylococcal food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.

Bacillus cereus: This bacterium can cause two types of food poisoning, one characterized by vomiting and diarrhea, and the other by abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Clostridium perfringens: This bacterium can cause food poisoning characterized by diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever.

To ensure food safety, it is recommended to refrigerate cooked peas promptly after cooking. Cooked peas should be discarded if left out at room temperature for more than two hours.