AboutCarol Schlitt Expertise I can answer questions on home food safety, sanitation, home food preservation and commercial food safety (HACCP).
Experience I am an Extension educator, nutrition, wellness and food safety. I am a certified HACCP manager and a food safety instructor for the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Organizations International Association for Food Protection, American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (Certified CFCS), National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Society for Nutrition Education.
Education/Credentials BS - University of Illinois
MS - Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville
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.
