You forgot to put a pot of cooked tomato sauce sausage and meatballs in the fridge last nightThe pot was still hot at 10pmbut was not put in the fridge till 8 this morningDo you need to throw it out?

When in doubt, throw it out! You and your family's health is not worth the $5 worth of pasta, meat and sauce. Think of how much the hospital bill will be if you come down with food poisoning. Bacteria is always present in food, but it grows faster at temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The longer it is at these temperatures, the more potentially dangerous bacteria could be present. Then you have to factor in your body's ability to fight off this bacteria if you do consume it. Elderly people, young children, and those with poor health are the most vulnerable. Don't take the chance.