Expert: Carol Schlitt - 3/23/2007

Question
I made a batch of spaghetti sauce with meat on Saturday, 5 days ago. I normally pack what sauce we haven't eaten into 2 - 3 batches and freeze them, but this time due to circumstances beyond my control,I wasn't able to get around to it.  I wondered if I brought it to a boil and let it simmer for awhile, cooled it and then froze it as usual, would it still be safe to eat?  I hate the thought of wasting it.  Thanks for your help.

Answer
Hi Teresa,

The usual refrigerated storage time for spaghetti sauce with meat is 4-5 days so your just past the recommended time frame for safely using and freezing meat products.

While boiling and simmer sounds like a guarnteed way of ensuring food to be safe, that's not always true.  Some bacteria produce a heat-resistant toxin that can survive boiling.  While this is rare (thank goodness) it can occur.

We go by the saying -- when in doubt, throw it out!

I hope this answers your question.  If you have additional questions, please let me know.

Carol