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You are here: Experts > Parenting/Family > Protecting your Home and Family > Food Safety Issues > chicken soup sat out all day
Expert: Carol Schlitt - 10/21/2009
Question
I made some homemade chicken soup from scratch. It contains broth, chicken thigh meat, carrots and potatoes. It was very hot so I didn't put it in the fridge right away but I forgot to put it in the fridge when I left for work. I would say it was still pretty hot when I left it in the stock pot on top of the stove. It sat there for 7 hrs. If I bring it to a boil and let it boil or simmer for half hour or more will it be ok to consume? Your time and expertise is appreciated.
Answer
Hi Danielle,
It's impossible to know for sure if your homemade chicken soup left at room temperature for 7 hours is still safe without expensive laboratory testing.
What we do know is that chicken is a great food for bacteria -- raw or cooked -- and that leaving it at room temperature is the ideal temperature for bacterial growth. Given that some bacteria have the capability of producing a toxin -- a waste product that is not deactivated by reheating -- the general recommendation is to not take a chance and pitch food that has been given the perfect conditions for bacterial growth.
While your soup may look wonderful, smell delightful and taste delicious -- this is no guarantee that it is still safe to consume. Until we have a sure-fire way of knowing that food that has sat at room temperature is still safe to consume, the recommendation will be to error on the side of caution and pitch the food.
Sorry...
Carol
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