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 Hi, I marinated some chicken in yoghurt and spices, which we wanted to bbq. However the fridge broke down overnight so the marinated chicken was not refridgerated for 12hrs. Given that the chicken was marinated in spices, do you think it will be safe to eat? I'd appreciate any advice. Thanks!
Answer Hi Rakhee,
No -- I do not think that the spices and yogurt provided a safe environment for the chicken. Chicken is a food that must be kept either cold or hot to remain safe and having it in a temperature that easily allows for the growth of bacteria (a broken refrigerator) is just asking for problems. While it is possible the chicken is okay, we presently have no way of determining the safety of a food that has been abused by temperature. Without a sure way of knowing, it is recommend not to cook and consume the chicken. Some bacteria that could have grown during that time produce a toxin that is not killed by cooking -- and that's why we recommend not eating meats and other potentially hazardous foods that have been given a long time at the right temperature for bacterial growth.
