I often take sandwiches to work with mayonnaise and eat them late in the evening can go bad make me sick?

It's definitely possible for a mayonnaise-based sandwich to go bad and make you sick, especially if it's been sitting out at room temperature for a long time. Here's why:

* Bacteria Growth: Mayonnaise is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, especially in warm temperatures. The high fat content and acidic pH make it a hospitable environment for microorganisms.

* Temperature Danger Zone: Food left between 40°F and 140°F (4°C and 60°C) is in the "danger zone" for bacterial growth. This means the longer it sits at room temperature, the more likely it is to become unsafe.

* Spoilage Signs: If your sandwich has an off smell, taste, or appearance (e.g., slimy, moldy, discolored), it's best to throw it away.

Here's what you can do:

* Refrigerate ASAP: Store your sandwich in the refrigerator as soon as possible after preparing it. This will slow down bacterial growth.

* Keep Cold: Pack your sandwich in a cooler with ice packs to keep it cold during transport.

* Don't Leave Out: Avoid leaving your sandwich at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

* Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your bread, meat, and vegetables are fresh and of good quality.

* Wash Hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before preparing your sandwich.

To be safe:

* It's generally not recommended to eat a sandwich with mayonnaise that has been at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

* If you're unsure, it's always better to err on the side of caution and throw it away.

Remember, food safety is important. If you're not sure whether a sandwich is safe to eat, it's better to err on the side of caution and discard it.