Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:23:02 +0000

The Asphalt on Pizza: How Long Is It Truly Safe After Leaving the Counter? When you slide a steaming pizza off a restaurant counter, makeshift tattoos, stickers, or even small asphalt-like residue sometimes stick to the surface. Many of us have wondered—is it really safe to keep that “asphalt” stuck on the pizza’s surface after it’s sat out for a while? While the image of pie with “art” marks might sound appealing, food safety is a legitimate concern that deserves attention. ### The Reality of Asphalt Residue on Pizza Pizza boxes—or even outdoor surfaces like tables or countertops—may contain asphalt-based adhesives used to bind paper or cardboard, especially in cheap or vintage packaging. Although modern pizza boxes rarely use asphalt directly, rough surfaces or low-quality materials underneath can transfer sticky, gritty residue onto the crust or toppings. This isn’t actual asphalt from roads, but food-safe concerns arise when sticky, unidentified substances remain in prolonged contact with edible surfaces.