Q: Can mayonnaise really make you sick if left out?
Yes. While mayo itself is acidic, contamination from utensils or food can allow bacteria to grow.
Q: Why does mayonnaise get such a bad reputation?
Historically, mayonnaise contained raw eggs. Modern commercial versions are safer, but the reputation stuck.
Q: Is it safe to eat mayo left out overnight?
No. Opened mayonnaise left out overnight should be discarded.
Q: Why do restaurants sometimes leave mayo out?
Many restaurants use specially formulated, food-service-grade mayonnaise designed for short-term room-temperature use.
Q: So… was Nana wrong?
Not necessarily—but modern food safety standards say the fridge is the safer choice.
