Can cooked BBQ pulled pork make you sick if not refrigerated for ten hours?

It's very risky to leave cooked BBQ pulled pork unrefrigerated for 10 hours. Here's why:

* The Danger Zone: Bacteria multiply rapidly between 40°F and 140°F (4°C and 60°C). Leaving cooked pulled pork out for 10 hours exposes it to this "danger zone" for extended periods.

* Food Poisoning Risk: Bacteria can cause food poisoning, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. While pulled pork itself might not be inherently "bad," the bacteria present can make you ill.

* Time is Crucial: The longer food sits out at room temperature, the higher the risk of bacterial growth and foodborne illness.

Recommendations:

* Refrigerate promptly: After cooking, refrigerate pulled pork within 2 hours (or 1 hour if the temperature is above 90°F).

* Safe Storage: Store in shallow containers to allow for rapid cooling.

* Don't Reheat: If you suspect the pork has been at room temperature for too long, it's best to discard it. Reheating will not kill harmful bacteria.

Always prioritize food safety! It's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to potentially hazardous foods like cooked meat.