Since it will soon be Labor Day, here's NPR's answer to the question, "Will I sicken and die if I eat warm potato salad at the picnic?"
Caveat: This is only true for the store-bought stuff. If you're using home-made, you're on your own.
Posted by Linkmeister at August 13, 2006 02:04 PM | TrackBackI dunno about that new wisdom. Having been to a wedding reception a few years ago, on a beastly hot and sunny day, and scarfing down the potato and macaroni salads, I can only say that while I didn't die from the food poisoning, I was close to hoping I would.
Posted by: Kate at August 13, 2006 02:27 PMI didn't follow the NPR link, but in culinary school we learned in our food safety seminar (taught by a microbiologist) that it's not the mayonnaise that gets you, it's the bacteria caused by the potatoes. Mayonnaise is somewhat acidic and actually retards the growth of bacteria, whether it's homemade or commercially made, but potatoes produce some nasty toxins when allowed to sit cooked-but-unrefrigerated for more than a couple of hours.
Posted by: Brian at August 14, 2006 05:22 AMBrian, are you sure you didn't click through? ;)
It's the vinegar in the store-bought stuff which provides the acidity. That's why home-made can be a problem depending on whether the cook adds enough acid to overcome the bacteria.
Posted by: Linkmeister at August 14, 2006 08:35 AMI'll go with the toxic potato dangers. That's good to know for future reference.
And Happy Birthday, Mayonnaise. A major and favorite food group.
Posted by: Kate at August 14, 2006 12:02 PM