Expert: Carl Copeland - 1/18/2009

Question
I made bean soup with ham and set it out to cool before putting it away and forgot to put it in refrigerator before going to bed,it sat out on the counter all night. I am guessing its not safe to eat anymore.

Answer
Hello Carol,

How are you doing? We have all made this mistake. And there are some factors that come into play. What was the temperature that the food was left out in? No food should be left out after two hours of cooling. Also your food was fully cooked.

But have I made this mistake and have thrown the food in the refrigerator and ate and am still alive. You have the last decision wheter to throw it away or not. In reference to the temperature of the room, my kithen is cool in this time of the year because of the unisulated porch on the back end of my home.

For more specific Food storage info please visit

http://www.Food-Storage-Info.com

Take Care,
Carl C