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
I left some leftover lentil soup (no meat or meat/chicken stock) on my counter overnight by accident. Is it safe to refridgerate or freeze for later? Thanks!
Answer Hi David,
While you may think that since your soup didn't contain meat or meat stock, you'd think it would remain safe unrefrigerated. Our recommendation is to not consume once heated carbohydrate-based food that is left at room temperature for an extended period of time.
Here's why -- plant-based foods once heated becomes a potentially hazardous food -- in other words it can support the growth of harmful organisms. Now does it always happen -- no, but the potential is there.
So my recommendation is to not to consume the soup.
