2024-01-01 16:00:47
You know How long can meat stay out of the fridge?? In fact, proper preservation of food is essential to guarantee its safety and quality.
Therefore, among perishable foods, meat is one of the main concerns when it comes to storage. Therefore, the question about how long meat can be kept out of the refrigerator is frequent and often the reason for debate and misunderstanding.
In this SaúdeLAB article, we will understand the different aspects related to this topic, covering myths, scientific facts and best practices to ensure food safety.
How long can meat stay out of the fridge?
The answer is: it depends! After all, what we must take into consideration is the composition of this protein. But, we’ve already said beforehand, the wetter it is, the greater the chance of it spoiling quickly. Therefore, we now separate it by type of meat, this way it is easier to understand.
Raw meat
Beef, Pork, Poultry: Raw meat is especially sensitive to bacterial contamination. Therefore, it is recommended Do not leave these types of meat out of the refrigerator for more than 1 hour.
Furthermore, this applies to ambient temperatures considered safe, below 32°C. Now, if the ambient temperature exceeds this limit, the safe time is reduced to 30 minutes.
In fact, this short period is important to avoid the excessive growth of bacteria, which can lead to the deterioration of the meat and pose health risks if consumed.
Cooked Meat
After cooking, meat is still subject to contamination. However, it can stay out of the fridge for a little longer compared to raw meat.
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Therefore, at safe room temperatures, up to 2 hours is an acceptable period of time to keep cooked meat unrefrigerated before refrigerating it again. However, if the ambient temperature exceeds 32°C, this safe time is reduced to 1 hour.
This is due to the increased risk of bacterial growth at higher temperatures.
Processed Meat
Sausages, Hams: These products are processed and therefore usually have additives or preservation methods that extend their shelf life. Even so, after opening the package, it is recommended to consume it quickly.
They can even remain out of the refrigerator for up to 2 hours at room temperature, but the recommendation is to consume them quickly after opening to avoid the risk of contamination and loss of quality.
There is little care
It is essential to understand that these time periods are general guidelines and that vigilance and hygiene are equally important. Therefore, if there is any doubt about the condition of the meat, unpleasant smell, change in texture or any sign of spoilage, it is safest to discard it.
Additionally, while the times mentioned are useful as a reference, it is always safest to refrigerate or freeze meat as quickly as possible after use to extend its shelf life and preserve its safety and quality.
How to store meat correctly
Storing meat in the refrigerator is essential to preserve its freshness and prevent the growth of bacteria. In fact, the recommended temperature is below 4°C. This slows down the spoilage process and keeps the meat safe for consumption for a longer period.
Freezing meat is also a great way to extend its shelf life. But, be sure to package the meat properly to avoid exposure to air, which can cause freezer burn and spoilage.
Using airtight containers or freezer bags is important. This helps prevent cross-contamination, protects the meat from air entry and preserves moisture, preventing loss of quality.
Keeping a thermometer in the refrigerator is a smart practice. After all, this allows you to constantly monitor the temperature to ensure it is staying below 4°C. Furthermore, a higher temperature can accelerate food spoilage.
Washing hands, utensils and surfaces after contact with raw meat is essential to avoid cross-contamination. In fact, this reduces the risk of transferring harmful bacteria to other foods or surfaces, helping to maintain food safety.
Now you know how long meat can stay out of the fridge
In summary, although meat is a delicate food and susceptible to spoilage, the time it can be left out of the refrigerator varies depending on several factors. It is essential to follow good handling and storage practices to ensure food safety.
Be aware of the time meat spends out of refrigeration, check the room temperature and avoid leaving it unattended for long periods. Prioritize adequate refrigeration and hygienic handling to preserve food quality and safety, minimizing the risks of contamination and spoilage.
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