Food Safety Issues/Baked potatoes

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Expert: Carol Schlitt - 10/5/2006


Question
I baked a dozen baked potatoes and then forgot them in the oven for about 24hrs.  They are all wrapped in foil.  I know uncooked potatoes are fine, but I didn't know if I should throw these out.

Answer
Hi Kayla,

Amazingly, cooked baked potatoes held in foil have been associated with C. botulinium (ie Botulism).  Though rare, it is possible for potatoes when held in airtight foil can support the growth of the botulism spore. Botulism spores only grow in the absence of air and the cooked carbohydrate of the potatoes supports its growth.

So -- I can not recommend consuming the potatoes after being held in foil and in the danger zone (between 40 and 140 degrees) for an extended period of time.

Sorry....

Carol  

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Volunteer

Carol Schlitt

Expertise

I can answer questions on home food safety, sanitation, home food preservation and commercial food safety (HACCP).

Experience

I am a former Extension educator, nutrition, wellness and food safety, having retired August 1, 2010. I am a certified HACCP manager, a food safety instructor for the Illinois Department of Public Health and a 3rd party food safety and OSHA auditor of restaurants.

Organizations
International Association for Food Protection, American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (Certified CFCS), National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, St. Louis Culinary Society.

Education/Credentials
BS - University of Illinois MS - Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville

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