Can Tomato Sauce Be Left Out for Weeks?

Question: Can you tell me whether tomato preserve containing tomatoes, onions and spices can be left standing around in a kitchen in stainless steel cooking pots, uncovered, for two weeks? I am concerned about a friend's health. She does bring the mix to boil every so often.

Answer: Leaving prepared foods out for long periods is not a safe practice. Even though tomatoes are high in acids (such as vitamin C) and resistant to spoilage, leaving food out for weeks at a time (even if it is brought to a boil periodically) is taking a high risk. Toxins can build up - cooking will not necessarily destroy a toxin.

Good Nutrition and the Food Pyramid