I thawed hamburger meat at room temperature and put it back in the fridge for two days--is it safe?

Answer by  timerunning (805)

It depends on if the hamburger meat was expired or not after you thawed it. If it was expired, then throw it out immediately. If it was good, then you need to cook it right away.

Answer by  John (9008)

Once meat has been thawed, it begins to decay. If it reached room temperature, then it needs to have been used right away. A fridge is not cold enough to kill germs. Thus, the meat is not safe and should be discarded. It is also likely to taste bad.

Answer by  traumatised (3285)

I wouldn't risk it. All meat should be thawed in the fridge overnight to inhibit dangerousbacteria such as e.coli, and kept in the fridge a maximum of three days before and after cooking.

Answer by  maggie711 (285)

If your nose hasn't told you, NO! It is best to handle hamburger meat as little as possible; bring it home, cook and eat it. Treat hamburger as a breeding ground for bacteria. Cook it from frozen on low heat, covered, breaking it into pieces as possible.