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Food Safety Issues/Food Left Out
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Question
I made a pot of chili that I had left out on the counter to cool, and forgot to put in in the fridge overnight. It sat covered on the counter in an air conditioned kitchen for about 12 hours. It contains ground meat. Do you think it is safe to eat?
Hi Susan,
The recommendation is to not consume potentially hazardous foods such as chili that have been at room temperature more than 2 hours. Harmful bacteria can grow during this time period and you'd never know it by the taste, look or smell.
Since we do not currently have a way of testing food to know if it is still safe, the recommendation is to not consume foods that have been in the danger zone (40 to 140 degrees F) for more than 2 hours.
Sorry...
Carol
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Answers by Expert:
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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