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About Carol Schlitt
Expertise
I can answer questions on home food safety, sanitation, home food preservation and commercial food safety (HACCP).

Experience
I am an Extension educator, nutrition, wellness and food safety. I am a certified HACCP manager and a food safety instructor for the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Organizations
International Association for Food Protection, American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (Certified CFCS), National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Society for Nutrition Education.

Education/Credentials
BS - University of Illinois MS - Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville

You are here: Experts > Parenting/Family > Protecting your Home and Family > Food Safety Issues > Ground Beef

Food Safety Issues - Ground Beef

Expert: Carol Schlitt - 10/29/2009

Question
I thawed 4 ground beef patties at room temperature for about 12 hours. Since I decided not to fry them that evening, I put them back in the refrigerator to fry the follow evening. Will they be safe to eat?

Answer
Hi Chris,

Who knows?????

All we do know is that thawing meats at room temperature increases the chances that any bacteria that may have been present would grow rapidly. Since you can't see, taste or smell these bacteria and given the fact that some bacteria have the capability of producing a toxin (waste product) that is not deactivated by cooking, the general recommendation is to not take a chance and pitch the burgers.

Until we have a way of testing foods to see if they are still safe after abused by temperature, the recommendation will be to error on the side of caution and not cook or consume the burgers.

Sorry....

Carol

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