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