Question
Is it safe to eat the yams after it has been left out in a sealed tight container and it was left out in a cold part of the house?
Answers
GPT-4o mini
If yams (or any cooked food) have been left out in a sealed container in a colder part of the house, the safety of eating them depends on several factors:
1. **Temperature**: If the temperature in that part of the house is below 40°F (4°C), the yams are likely safe to eat for a longer period. If the temperature is above 40°F, bacteria can grow rapidly, and it's recommended to discard them if they've been left out for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour if the temperature is above 90°F).
2. **Duration**: If the yams have been left out for less than 2 hours and the temperature was stable and cool, they should be safe to eat. If they've been out for several hours or longer, it's best to err on the side of caution and discard them.
3. **Signs of Spoilage**: Always check for any signs of spoilage, such as off smells, discoloration, or mold. If any of these are present, it's best to throw them away.
In general, when in doubt about food safety, it’s better to discard the food to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.
1. **Temperature**: If the temperature in that part of the house is below 40°F (4°C), the yams are likely safe to eat for a longer period. If the temperature is above 40°F, bacteria can grow rapidly, and it's recommended to discard them if they've been left out for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour if the temperature is above 90°F).
2. **Duration**: If the yams have been left out for less than 2 hours and the temperature was stable and cool, they should be safe to eat. If they've been out for several hours or longer, it's best to err on the side of caution and discard them.
3. **Signs of Spoilage**: Always check for any signs of spoilage, such as off smells, discoloration, or mold. If any of these are present, it's best to throw them away.
In general, when in doubt about food safety, it’s better to discard the food to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.