My hubby promised to put my bone broth away last night but didn't. Is it still safe to eat now? I hate to have to dump this out.

It's not uncommon to find ourselves in a situation where we may question the safety of food left out overnight, particularly when it's something as nourishing and time-consuming to prepare as bone broth. Despite our best-laid plans and the promises of well-meaning spouses or family members, oversights happen.

So now, with your bone broth having been inadvertently neglected, you're faced with the conundrum: to keep or not to keep?

The USDA states that potentially hazardous foods should not be left out of the refrigerator for more than two hours. This time is reduced to just one hour if the room temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Bone broth, rich in proteins and nutrients, certainly falls into the category of foods that can foster bacterial growth if not stored properly.

It's important to evaluate several factors when deciding whether your bone broth is still safe to consume:

Assess how long the bone broth was actually left out. If it surpasses the two-hour guideline (or one hour in hot weather), bacteria potentially harmful could have multiplied to unsafe levels.

If it’s been left out for an extended period, give the bone broth a good sniff. Spoiled broth may have a sour smell or off-putting aroma. Also look for any signs of mold or cloudiness which can indicate spoilage.

Remember what ingredients you added to your bone broth. Certain components, like garlic or onions, might not pose as great a risk as meat-based ingredients, which are highly perishable. The rate of spoilage can depend on the specific makeup of your broth.

Did your broth remain covered while it was out? While a cover won't stop bacteria from multiplying, it might slow the process slightly by keeping out additional bacteria from the environment.

You may read advice on re-boiling the broth to kill any bacteria. While boiling can kill most bacteria, it may not destroy all toxins produced by the bacteria which can cause food poisoning. Re-boiling isn’t always a fail-safe method.

After considering these points, you're better armed to make a safe decision about your broth. If you suspect that the broth was out for too long, is showing signs of spoilage, or was at risk due to high temperatures or ingredient makeup, it's best to err on the side of caution and discard it.

It's a tough decision, especially after all the hours spent simmering that liquid gold, but your health and safety are paramount. A batch of bone broth isn't worth the risk of foodborne illness. As the saying goes, "When in doubt, throw it out."

Planning for the Future:
To prevent future disappointments, consider the following steps:

Remind your household of the importance of food safety, especially with items that need refrigeration.

Set a timer on your phone or leave a note on the fridge as a reminder.

Consider cooling and storing your broth in smaller containers, so they chill faster and are more manageable.

Make a habit of putting perishable items away as soon as they reach the right temperature.

Remember, preparation, communication, and education are your best tools in ensuring the safety and enjoyment of your delightful home-cooked meals.