What To Know
- In addition to the time that the soup has been left out, there are other factors that can affect whether or not it is safe to eat.
- If you are unsure whether or not potato soup that has been left out overnight is safe to eat, it is best to err on the side of caution and throw it out.
Leaving food out overnight can be a breeding ground for bacteria, which can cause foodborne illness. Symptoms of foodborne illness can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In some cases, foodborne illness can be life-threatening.
How Long Can Potato Soup Be Left Out?
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), cooked potato soup can be safely left out at room temperature for up to two hours. After two hours, the soup should be discarded.
What Happens if You Eat Potato Soup That Was Left Out Overnight?
If you eat potato soup that has been left out overnight, you may experience symptoms of foodborne illness. These symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In some cases, foodborne illness can be life-threatening.
How to Avoid Foodborne Illness
There are several things you can do to avoid foodborne illness, including:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before handling food.
- Cook food to the proper temperature.
- Refrigerate food promptly.
- Discard food that has been left out for more than two hours.
What to Do if You Think You Have Foodborne Illness
If you think you have foodborne illness, it is important to see a doctor immediately. Foodborne illness can be serious, and early treatment is important.
Other Factors to Consider
In addition to the time that the soup has been left out, there are other factors that can affect whether or not it is safe to eat. These factors include:
- The temperature of the soup. The warmer the soup, the faster bacteria will grow.
- The type of soup. Some soups, such as cream soups, are more likely to spoil than others.
- The presence of other ingredients. Some ingredients, such as meat and dairy products, can increase the risk of foodborne illness.
When in Doubt, Throw It Out
If you are unsure whether or not potato soup that has been left out overnight is safe to eat, it is best to err on the side of caution and throw it out. Foodborne illness is a serious risk, and it is not worth taking chances.
Key Points
Potato soup that has been left out overnight can be a breeding ground for bacteria, which can cause foodborne illness. If you eat potato soup that has been left out overnight, you may experience symptoms of foodborne illness. These symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In some cases, foodborne illness can be life-threatening.
To avoid foodborne illness, it is important to refrigerate potato soup promptly after cooking. If you are unsure whether or not potato soup that has been left out overnight is safe to eat, it is best to err on the side of caution and throw it out.
What You Need to Know
Q: How long can potato soup be left out at room temperature?
A: Potato soup can be safely left out at room temperature for up to two hours.
Q: What are the symptoms of foodborne illness?
A: Symptoms of foodborne illness can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Q: What should I do if I think I have foodborne illness?
A: If you think you have foodborne illness, it is important to see a doctor immediately.
