Expert: Carol Schlitt - 10/1/2007

Question
over a week ago I was given a gallon jar of vegetable beef soup that my father made.  It is in a glass gallon size jar and has not been opened snce its original close.  I just returned from out of town and realized I had forgotten to freeze it.  Is it safe to eat? My husband says it can't be trusted.  I hate for all the hard work to go to waste so I would like some better insight.  thanks.

Answer
Hi Amber,

Unfortunately, your husband is correct.  Vegetable beef soup should be either eaten or frozen within 3-4 days after initial refrigeration. Both cooked vegetables and meat are potentially hazardous foods -- in other words they can easily support the growth of bacteria. Refrigeration slows down this growth -- but does not eliminate it. And unfortunately, some bacteria produce a toxin that is not deactivated by heat so even if you thoroughly heat the food it could still make you ill.

Sorry... in this case my recommendation is to not consume the soup.

Carol