Food Safety Issues/Refrigeration of food

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Expert: Carol Schlitt - 10/12/2006


Question
I prepared some macaroni and cheese for my wife, and forgot to refrigerate it until exactly 1 hour after it was prepared.  It was covered with a lid and on the stove (still warm when refrigerated).  Would it be safe?  She has severe Irritible Bowel Syndrome and certainly doesn't need any GI infection.  THANKS!

Answer
Hi Kenneth,

Yes -- the macaroni and cheese should be safe as you are well within the time range for refrigerating food after preparation. We usually say prepared food should be refrigerated within 2 hours of preparation.

Of course there are not absolute guarantees in life -- but in this case I think your chances are so miniscule they aren't worth talking about.

Sincerely,

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

Food Safety Issues

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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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