Can you get sick if do not reheat cooked meat?

It's possible to get sick if you don't reheat cooked meat, but it's not guaranteed. Here's why:

The risks:

* Bacteria growth: Bacteria can multiply rapidly at room temperature. Cooked meat, even if it was initially cooked to a safe temperature, can become contaminated with bacteria if left out for too long.

* Foodborne illness: Eating contaminated meat can lead to foodborne illnesses like salmonella, E. coli, or Listeria. Symptoms can include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and fever.

* Spoilage: Meat can spoil over time, even if it's been cooked. This means it can develop an off smell, taste, or texture and become unsafe to eat.

How to minimize the risk:

* Refrigerate promptly: Refrigerate cooked meat within 2 hours (1 hour if the temperature is above 90°F).

* Reheat thoroughly: Reheat cooked meat to an internal temperature of 165°F.

* Don't leave it out for too long: Avoid leaving cooked meat out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

It's important to note:

* The risk of getting sick is higher if the meat was not cooked thoroughly in the first place.

* The length of time the meat is left out at room temperature affects the risk of illness. The longer it's left out, the greater the chance for bacteria to multiply.

* Even if you don't get sick, eating spoiled meat can be unpleasant and potentially harmful.

For optimal safety:

* It's best to reheat cooked meat before eating it. This will kill any bacteria that might have grown during storage.

* If you're unsure about the safety of your meat, it's always best to throw it away. It's not worth the risk of getting sick.