The Dangers of Leaving McDonald's Chicken Nuggets at Room Temperature
Leaving any cooked meat or meat-like substance unrefrigerated for an extended period of time can lead to bacterial growth, which can make you severely ill. This holds particularly true for McDonald's chicken nuggets which, despite containing preservatives, are not safe to consume after being left on the counter overnight.
Understanding Bacterial Growth
The FDA recommends that perishable foods like chicken nuggets should not be left at temperatures between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit for more than two hours. This is because bacteria in the food can develop rapidly in this temperature range. Even though McDonald's chicken nuggets contain preservatives, they are still not safe to consume if left out overnight or for more than two hours.
Bacteria can enter the nuggets during this time and consuming them can lead to a variety of symptoms such as stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headaches. These are not merely unpleasant; they can be severe and life-threatening. Therefore, to ensure food safety, it is best to refrigerate leftover chicken nuggets promptly after eating. If you have left them out overnight, it is recommended to dispose of them to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.
A Personal Account of Food Poisoning
I have worked in food hygiene and have experienced severe food poisoning personally. This occurred when I was working as a medic in Marrakech, where a local "chefa" (cook) had appalling food hygiene practices. They poisoned 113 out of 120 people working on the site. I myself lost 10-12kg in 5 days, and the pain was excruciating. The illness I suffered was caused by Campylobacter jejuni, a bacterium that can lead to Campylobacteriosis, a condition that results in symptoms such as big black blood clots in the stool, red blood in vomit, and severe stomach pain.
Campylobacteriosis can also lead to Guillain-Barré syndrome, a condition where the feet, hands, and limbs become numb, weak, and painful. It is treatable, with most people making a full recovery, although it can occasionally be life-threatening and leave people with long-term problems. Therefore, it is crucial to be cautious about leaving any food, including McDonald's chicken nuggets, at room temperature for extended periods.
Bacterial Growth and Risk Calculation
When food gets in the range of 5-63°C (41°F-145°F), any bacteria multiply exponentially. For example, starting from a single bacterium, the count can rapidly increase to 16777216 or even more within a short time. Campylobacter jejuni, a common cause of food-borne diarrhea, only needs 100-500 individual bacteria to infect a human, depending on the exact strain. Therefore, leaving cooked foods like chicken nuggets at room temperature can lead to a high risk of infection.
Even if you heat the chicken nuggets to 85°C (185°F), it is unlikely to kill all bacteria, as studies have shown that many harmful bacteria, including Campylobacter jejuni, Listeria, and Salmonella, can still survive after heating to 100°C (212°F).
Conclusion and Advice
It is strongly recommended not to eat takeaway foods, especially chicken nuggets, left out all night on a kitchen counter. The potential risks outweigh any convenience, and it is best to dispose of them to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.
The takeaway message is clear: food safety should always come first. If you must eat leftovers, ensure they are heated to a safe temperature and consumed promptly.