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Food Safety Issues/Left some uncooked meat in the car

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Expert: Carol Schlitt - 10/19/2009


Question
I left some uncooked meat in the car for about 4 hours. These meats include pork chops, chicken, ham, etc. It was cold outside 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit, so the meat was still very cold when I brought it inside. I didn't notice any foul odor from any of the meat, but I don't want to risk getting anyone sick by cooking bad meat. Is it safe or should I throw it out?

Answer
Hi Stephanie,

If the meat was still  cold (as cold as when purchased) it should be okay to refrigerate and cook.  Uncooked meat should be kept at 41 degrees or below for maximum safety and from your description, your car should have held the meat close to this temperature.

Carol  

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Volunteer

Carol Schlitt

Expertise

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

Experience

I am a former Extension educator, nutrition, wellness and food safety, having retired August 1, 2010. I am a certified HACCP manager, a food safety instructor for the Illinois Department of Public Health and a 3rd party food safety and OSHA auditor of restaurants.

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

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

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