AboutCarol Schlitt Expertise I can answer questions on home food safety, sanitation, home food preservation and commercial food safety (HACCP).
Experience I am an Extension educator, nutrition, wellness and food safety. I am a certified HACCP manager and a food safety instructor for the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Organizations International Association for Food Protection, American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (Certified CFCS), National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Society for Nutrition Education.
Education/Credentials BS - University of Illinois
MS - Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville
Question I made a pot of beef soup and accidently left it out of the refrigerator overnight. Will it be safe to eat?
Answer Hi Jeanne,
Unfortunately, it is not recommended to consume a potentially hazardous food that has been left at room temperature for over 2 hours. As this soup can easily support the growth of bacteria it is important that it be cooled and refrigerated within 2 hours of making to ensure safety.
Reheating a soup that has been left at room temperature does not automatically make it safe. Some bacteria produce a toxin that is not inactivated by heat. In other words, you can reheat the soup and still become ill.
