Why do soups and teas go bad and unsafe to drink if left out in room temperature for a few hours but it’s perfectly safe to drink a glass of water left out overnight?

Question

Wouldn’t bacteria also grow in the water left out and release toxins?

In: 43

Answer 1

Things that bacteria need to grow. F.A.T. T.O.M

Food
Acidity
Time
Temperature
Oxygen
Moisture

Health code states that food is unsafe to eat if the temperature remains in the danger zone, above 41 degrees F and below 135 degrees F, for more than 4 hours. Low temp slows growth, such as with milk. It takes time, but it will go bad eventually. High temp kills, such as chicken at 165 degrees F, and then it can be safely held at 135 or above.

There are exceptions to the temperature danger zone like syrup and ketchup, but it applies to most food you make yourself.

Potable water is clean from bacteria, so it will be ok in open air, assuming you don’t drink from it and leave bacteria backwash, a foreign particle does not contaminate it, or an animal drink from it.