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How Long Can Uncooked Pork Sit Out? An In-Depth Look at Pork Handling and Safety

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Eating uncooked and undercooked meat can make you sick. You can prevent this with good cooking practices.

Pork is one of the most commonly consumed meats worldwide. Pork is often served at dinner, in the form of bacon, ham, pork chops, and roasts. But like any raw meat, pork requires safe handling practices to avoid illness. One of the most important things is to not leave raw pork out of the fridge for too long. How long can raw pork stay out at room temperature before it’s no longer safe to eat? Let’s look at the rules in more detail.

How Long is Raw Pork Safe at Room Temperature?

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), raw pork should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours before cooking or refrigerating it [1] The 2 hour timeframe includes time at the grocery store, during transport home, and on the kitchen counter during meal prep. After sitting out for more than 2 hours, bacteria on the pork can grow to dangerous levels.

Some experts recommend an even more conservative timeframe of just 1 hour [2]. The weather is also very important; if it’s over 90°F outside, cut that time down even more. The warmer the temperature, the faster bacteria multiplies.

Why Is Time Important with Raw Pork?

Dangerous pathogens like Salmonella Listeria monocytogenes Staphylococcus aureus, and E. coli can be present on raw pork [3]. When left at room temperature, these bacteria grow exponentially, doubling in number every 20 minutes [4]. In just 2 hours, a single bacteria can turn into over 8 million! Refrigerating and cooking pork thoroughly kills bacteria and makes it safe to eat. But leaving it unrefrigerated too long allows bacteria to thrive.

According to the USDA, cooking or refrigerating pork within 2 hours is crucial because from 40°F to 140°F is the “danger zone” where bacteria flourishes [5]. Room temperature falls right into that hazardous range.

Can I Leave Pork Out for Short Periods?

For brief periods during preparation and serving, having raw pork at room temperature is generally safe Some examples include

  • Transporting pork home from the store (less than 1 hour)
  • Marinating pork (do this in the refrigerator)
  • Letting pork rest on the counter during cooking prep (no more than 30 minutes)

The key is limiting exposure and getting pork back into the fridge or cooked as soon as possible. Never let raw pork or any meat sit out for more than 2 hours.

What Happens If Pork Sits Out Too Long?

Consuming pork that’s been left out too long can cause foodborne illness. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea [6].

At higher risk are vulnerable groups like young children, pregnant women, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. Foodborne illness can even be life-threatening for these groups.

Not only does bacteria grow, but pork quality and taste are also compromised. The meat dries out, takes on a dull color, and develops a smell. So leaving pork unrefrigerated for extended time makes it both dangerous and unappetizing.

Can Uncooked Pork Go Back in the Fridge?

If raw pork has been left out at room temperature for under 2 hours, it can safely go back into the refrigerator. But past the 2 hour mark, bacteria may have multiplied to hazardous levels so it’s best to throw it away.

When putting pork back in the fridge, use it within the next couple days to maximize freshness. And be diligent about placing it in the fridge immediately after preparing.

Is It Safe to Eat Pork Left Out Overnight?

Absolutely not. Consuming pork that’s been left overnight on the counter would be extremely risky. Prolonged time at room temperature allows pathogenic bacteria to grow exponentially.

Unless you want a bout of food poisoning, pork left sitting out all night should be discarded, even if it looks and smells normal. Don’t take chances with meat that may contain dangerous pathogens.

Can You Leave Raw Pork in a Car?

Never leave raw pork in a hot car while running errands. A parked car can turn into an oven, with temperatures inside climbing as high as 130°F-172°F [7]. This accelerated heating provides optimal conditions for bacteria to rapidly multiply on perishable foods left inside.

Transport pork home immediately after purchasing it. Never leave it sitting in the car while making additional stops. The potential consequences of foodborne illness simply aren’t worth the risk.

Does Freezing Make Pork Left Out Safe?

Freezing pork that’s sat at room temperature for too long unfortunately doesn’t make it safe to eat. Bacteria already present likely multiplied to hazardous levels. While freezing stops additional growth, it does not get rid of bacteria accumulated earlier.

Always discard meat left out too long. Don’t attempt to salvage it by freezing. Cooking tempuratures high enough to kill bacteria would make the pork unpalatable anyway.

How Can You Tell If Uncooked Pork Is Bad?

Relying on sight, smell and touch can help determine if raw pork has spoiled after sitting out too long:

  • Bad Smell: Foul, offensive odor is a giveaway. Fresh pork has a mild smell.
  • Slimy Texture: If the pork feels overly sticky or tacky, it’s gone bad. Good pork should be slightly damp but not slimy.
  • Discoloration: Raw pork is typically light pink to red. Graying, greening or black tinges indicate spoilage.

Trust your senses – if pork seems or smells “off”, throw it away rather than risk getting sick from eating it.

Is Marinating Pork at Room Temperature Safe?

Only marinate raw pork for short time periods at room temperature. Bacteria multiply rapidly in the moist environment marinades provide. For food safety, marinate in the refrigerator up to 2 days.

If marinating less than 1 hour on the counter, be sure to immediately refrigerate or cook the pork afterward. Never leave it soaking at room temperature for extended periods.

How Should You Defrost Frozen Pork?

Defrost frozen pork in the refrigerator, not on the counter. Place it on a plate or tray to catch drips as it safely thaws over 24-48 hours. Defrosting at room temperature is risky since the pork’s surface enters the “danger zone” long before the inside thaws.

You can also defrost pork sealed in a watertight bag submerged in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes so it stays cold. A microwave’s defrost setting works too but cook pork immediately after thawing.

Does Cooking Kill Bacteria from Pork Left Out?

Thorough cooking does destroy most bacteria that multiply on pork when it sits out too long. The USDA recommends cooking pork to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F and allowing a 3 minute rest time [8]. This temperature kills pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli.

However, the quality of pork left unrefrigerated for extended time still declines. And some bacterial toxins can withstand high cooking temperatures. So it’s still safest to discard meat left out more than 2 hours. Don’t rely solely on cooking to make potentially spoiled pork safe.

Follow General Food Safety Rules

To keep all foods safe from bacteria, follow these standard food safety guidelines:

  • Refrigerate perishable foods within 2 hours
  • Never leave food out over 2 hours (1 hour if over 90°F)
  • Store leftovers in shallow containers for quicker cooling
  • Sanitize surfaces, utensils and hands before and after handling pork
  • Use separate cutting boards and knives for pork to avoid cross-contamination
  • Cook pork thoroughly to safe internal temperatures (145°F)
  • When in doubt, throw it out!

The Takeaway on Pork Safety

Proper handling and storage are key when working with raw pork. Never leave uncooked pork sitting out on the counter for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour if the temperature is above 90°F. Refrigerate or cook pork right away after bringing it home or preparing it.

With basic precautions, you can enjoy your favorite pork dishes safely. Just remember – don’t take chances with perishable meats left unrefrigerated too long. Handle pork carefully and you’ll prevent the risk of foodborne illness.

how long can uncooked pork sit out

Symptoms of Uncooked Pork Food Poisoning

Getting sick from eating raw pork can have different signs depending on the bacteria or parasites that made you sick. ‌.

General symptoms of food poisoning include:

Other symptoms of trichinellosis include:

  • Fever
  • Tiredness
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Cough
  • Swelling eyes
  • Itchy skin
  • Sore joints
  • Sore muscles
  • Constipation
  • Trouble breathing
  • Heart problems‌

Within one to two days of eating infected raw or undercooked meat, stomach problems are often the first sign of an infection. Other symptoms can take 2 to 8 weeks to show up.

Some people might only have mild symptoms while others get very sick. Severe infections can be life-threatening. Anyone can get a foodborne illness, but some people are more likely than others, such as:

  • Pregnant women
  • Children
  • Older people
  • People whose immune systems aren’t as strong because of diabetes, HIV, liver disease, or kidney disease

How to Cook Pork Chops

Part of cooking pork safely is good preparation.

Clean. Make sure your countertops, dishes, cutting boards, and other cooking utensils are clean. Wash your hands before preparing food. This stops germs from spreading.

Separate. Keep fresh meat away from other foods and meats. The blood and juice from fresh pork can contaminate other foods. Use separate cutting boards and knives for meat.

Cook. Whole pieces of pork, like pork chops and roasts, should be cooked to 145 degrees Fahrenheit on the inside. Use a food thermometer to make sure it’s safe to eat before you take it from the oven or pan. Let the meat rest for 3 minutes before cutting, serving, or eating.

Your meat might still look pink. However, don’t solely rely on the color of the meat to determine if its fully cooked.

The United States Department of Agriculture lowered the temperature range for whole pork cuts from 160 degrees to 145 degrees in 2020. This can only be safely done if you also let the meat sit for the full 3 minutes. This change doesn’t apply to ground meat. Ground pork must be cooked to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Chill. Put cooked food in the fridge within two hours of serving. If you’re serving pork outside and the temperature is above 90 degrees, refrigerate cooked pork within 1 hour. Make sure to thaw food in the fridge or in cold water. Germs can grow in heat or at room temperature, which can increase your risk for food illness.

Overall, you shouldn’t eat uncooked pork chops or other meats. Safe storing, preparing, and cooking practices can lower your chances of getting sick.

How Long Can Meat Sit Out? Cured, Raw, Frozen, Cooked & More

FAQ

How long can raw pork be left unrefrigerated?

It is not recommended to keep pork unrefrigerated for more than two hours at room temperature. Bacteria can grow rapidly in the “Danger Zone” temperature range of 40°F to 140°F (4°C to 60°C), which can cause foodborne illness.

Is it safe to eat pork left out overnight?

And when it comes to tasty food, bacteria doesn’t discriminate, as the above danger zone rule applies to all types of perishables (per USDA), including pulled pork. So if the pork is left out at room temperature for longer than 2 hours, throw it out.

How long can I leave pork out to thaw?

Food safety should be your number one concern when preparing meat. Never thaw on the kitchen counter. Never thaw in hot water. Don’t leave meat at room temperature for more than two hours.

How long can pulled pork sit out?

If you just cooked some pulled pork or pork chops, you need to get them to the refrigerator within two hours or about an hour if the ambient temperature exceeds 90F. That said, how long pork can sit out depends mainly on where you’re at.

Why is pork not recommended to eat?

This is not true, some cuts like sirloin and pork rump steak, for example, are very healthy, even healthier than beef and chicken. Only the fattest cuts like bacon and crackling should be avoided.

How long can you leave raw pork out?

You must have heard before that leaving raw meat out for too long will expose people to harmful bacteria and disease. The same is true with raw pork. Typically, you can keep it at the kitchen counter for a maximum of two hours. However, the shelf life depends on the temperature. If the environment is hot, it will go bad faster.

What happens if you leave pork out overnight?

Leaving pork out at room temperature overnight is not safe. If you’ve done this, your only safe bet is to discard it. When kept at temperatures between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit for too long, the meat attracts hazardous bacteria. There’s no way to tell whether this has occurred, and cooking or reheating the meat won’t help, so tossing it is the only way to go.

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