Expert: Chris Manley - 9/11/2007

Question
I left homemade pea soup with ham at room temperature over night for approximately 6 1/2 hours.  Since ham is a cured meat, is it safe to eat?

Answer
No, the soup itself, with or without ham would be considered a potentially hazardous food and should not be allowed to hold between 41 and 140 degrees for more than 4 hours.  Cured ham is also a potentially hazardous food, unless it is dried to a jerky-like texture, it will still support the growth of bacteria.