Is it safe to eat fish that has been left out in the cold overnight? [duplicate]
![Is it safe to eat fish that has been left out in the cold overnight? [duplicate] - Fresh Fishes](/assets/images/is_it_safe_to_eat_fish_that_has_been_left_out_in_the_cold_overnight_duplicate_0.jpeg "Is it safe to eat fish that has been left out in the cold overnight? [duplicate] - Fresh Fishes")
It's snowing over here, and we had made a fish delivery that we assumed had been canceled. (The fish store didn't answer their phone yesterday and most schools and businesses were closed.) However, it seems that the fish was left at our door late last night. It was probably there around 9 hours...? Normally I would toss it, but it's really cold out there and the fish is cool to the touch. I live in an apt building, so it was not actually outside in the snow, but the temperature in the hallway outside our front door is nearly as cold as outside. I have no way of measuring the temperature out there. Is it safe to eat...? How cold does it have to be to consider it safe? (And yes, we will complain to the store.)
Best Answer
I hate throwing away food, for me (and I stress "for me") I would use the "Smell By" test and then make sure it is cooked really well through. Make a stew, curry or pasta source (something where it is cooked through and in small bits). BUT DO NOT sushi, light pan fry or similar of it.
If you are in doubt do not use it, you do not want a dose of something a week before holidays.
Other factors Was the fish cleaned? Was it in bag or one of those polystyrene (Styrofoam) boxes? Was it in ice?
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Is it OK to eat fish that was left out overnight?
Whether it's raw or cooked, fish can safely sit at room temperature for up to two hours. This time reduces to one hour on hot days when the room is above 90\xb0F. After this time the fish should be discarded or returned to the fridge and thoroughly cooked the next time it is used, to ensure the fish is cooked through.How long can fish be left unrefrigerated?
Never leave seafood or other perishable food out of the refrigerator for more than 2 hours or for more than 1 hour when temperatures are above 90\xb0F. Bacteria that can cause illness grow quickly at warm temperatures (between 40\xb0F and 140\xb0F).How long can food be left out?
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