I sat some frozen hamburger out to thaw for supper and forgot about it.?!


Question:

I sat some frozen hamburger out to thaw for supper and forgot about it.?

I just now remembered, and it is a little cooler than room temperature. If I cook it now, is it safe to eat?


Answers:
The "Danger Zone"


Bacteria, or other germs, need time, food and moisture (or wetness) to grow; but they won't grow when the temperature of the food is colder than 41o F or hotter than 140o F. The temperatures in between 41o and 140o are in the "Danger Zone." Keep potentially hazardous foods out of the "Danger Zone!" For example, when food is left in the "Danger Zone", bacteria can grow fast, and make poisons that can make you very sick.

Do not thaw frozen ground beef at room temperature; the outside will thaw first and be exposed to unsafe, warm temperatures before the centre is thawed.

Source(s):
http://www.metrokc.gov/health/foodsfty/f...

Only if you cook it completely. Anything less would not be safe to consume.

I agree...cook it to WELL DONE and you'll be fine.

No I wouldn't take the risk. Would you like to wind up in the ER and have your tummy pumped? I don't think I would take the chance.

You dont say how long its been out! Nor how hot it is where you are.
But assuming that its been out for less than 4-6 hrs and its not 90-100degF and it was covered, you should be cool. You have to make sure its cooked well done mainly cause you froze it first.
I have to say the micro wave is the best way to thaw food as it thaws quickly. Though it is a little bit of an art to learn how to make sure you dont cook the meat, even though you are on defrost setting.
I set the timer for a time I know wont over do it and then thaw the meat by setting the timer 2 - 3x. A little bit more fiddly but the cooked product is worth it.




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