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Food Safety Issues/marinating meat on the counter
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Question
I like to marinate steaks on the counter for 2-3 hrs before grilling, they`re awesome but is this dangerous?
Hi Kelly,
Sorry to have taken so long to answer your question. I'm in a location with limited internet access and only got to my questions today.
It is not recommended to marinate meat at room temperature as room temperature is ideal for promoting bacterial growth. We recommend marinating in the refrigerator to keep down this growth.
You are probably saying -- but won't cooking destroy any harmful bacteria that would grow? The answer is yes and no. Some bacteria produce harmful toxins that are not killed by cooking. So your best and safest practice would be to always marinate in the refrigerator.
If you have additional questions, please let me know.
Carol C. Schlitt
Extension Educator, Nutrition and Wellness
University of Illinois Extension
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Answers by Expert:
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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