Can I still use frozen beef brisket left out at room temperature for 12 hours? [duplicate]

Possible Duplicate:
How long can I store a food in the pantry, refrigerator, or freezer?

I left out 2 raw but frozen 6 lbs beef briskets in the sink at 7PM to thaw out because they were rock hard from the freezer. I had intended to transfer them to the refrigerator but only the next morning at 7AM did I remember that I had forgotten to put them in the refrigerator.

They will be seared on both sides first in a heavy cast iron pan and then braised for 3-4 hours in the oven. Is this still safe?

food-safety meat

Best Answer

Unfortunately, as sad as it is to see two nice briskets get wasted, I would not feel comfortable using them. In the guidelines from the USDA, thawing on the counter is explicitly discouraged. Additionally, it is likely that in that amount of time the surface of the cuts came up to temperature to allow for otherwise inactive (due to freezing) pathogens to become active again. In the absence of a vacuum pack and having been left at room temperature for that long, it is likely that even in the original paper wrapping the food has become unsafe to eat.

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How long can frozen brisket sit out?

Food safety is essential, and you're curious, how long can smoked meat sit out before going bad? According to the US Department of Agriculture, smoked meat can sit out for no longer than 2 hours. After 2 hours, the meat will move into the Danger Zone, which sits between 40 degrees Fahrenheit and 140\u02daF.

Can frozen meat sit out for 12 hours?

Room-temperature thawing is not safe. Never leave ground beef or any perishable food out at room temperature for more than two hours. The safest place to thaw meat is in the refrigerator. Keeping meat cold while it is thawing helps prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

Is it safe to eat frozen meat that was left out overnight?

If a perishable food (such as meat or poultry) has been left out at room temperature overnight (more than two hours) it may not be safe. Discard it, even though it may look and smell good. Never taste a food to see if it is spoiled.

How long can frozen beef sit out at room temperature?

Frozen meat should not be left out for more than two hours, advises the U.S. Department of Agriculture. As soon as any part of the meat reaches 40 degrees Fahrenheit, harmful bacteria start to grow and multiply, presenting the risk of foodborne illness and cross-contamination.

I smoked a FROZEN BRISKET - here's how it turned out

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Rahul Pandit, Chris F, Chris F, Erik Mclean