Expert: Carol Schlitt - 10/25/2006

Question
I  bought a cheesecake from my daughter's fundraiser. I forgot to place it in the freezer and found it the next morning. I immediately refroze it. Is it still safe?

Answer
Hi Reniata,

Technically, cheesecake is a potentially hazardous food (phf) -- it can support the growth of bacteria easily when given the right conditions.  One of the "right" conditions is a warm temperature such as room temperature.

I can not give a 100% safety to a a phf food that has been subject to conditions that can easily encourage the growth of bacteria. While the odds are that the cheesecake is safe (it was probably frozen when you got it and it sat out all night defrosting -- right?)I can not recommend consuming a phf that was allowed to stand at room temperature overnight.

Of course it is your call...I'm only letting you know the possibilities for growth are there. Now whether it did -- that would take scientific testing and lots of money!!!

I hope this has helped.  If I can be of further assistance, please let me know.

Carol C. Schlitt
Extension Educator, Nutrition and Wellness
University of Illinois Extension