AboutCarol 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
Question We accidentally left a sirloin steak and a slice of ham that was cooked on the grill, in the microwave for 13 hrs (the meat was put in there to keep our pet from getting it while it cooled). I will not eat it but my husband sees nothing wrong with eating it. Could this cause him serious problems or death?
Answer Hi Kathy,
It is not recommended to consume potentially hazardous foods (meat, milk, dairy, poultry) that have been at room temperature for over 2 hours. Unfortunately, some harmful bacteria can grow to levels that can make you ill, even though the food looks good, smells good and tastes good. And unfortunately, some bacteria produce a toxin during this time in the danger zone that is not deactivated by further cooking or reheating. Thus, the recommendation to not consume foods that have been subject to conditions that can encourage the growth of bacteria.
The most common side effects of eating food that has been out in the danger zone are flu-like symptoms -- diarrhea, vomiting, etc. Rarely does it cause anything more serious.
It's entirely possible that your husband could eat the meat and everything would be fine. Then again it's like playing Russian roulette. Does your husband feel lucky?
