How long do frozen foods keep while not in the freezer? Is there any way of telling if something like that has spoiled? Informed answers only, please.
2007-01-24 04:45:03 · 9 answers · asked by Leroy Johnson 5 in Food & Drink ➔ Other - Food & Drink
They were in the back of my car for 30 minutes until I remembered them, and it's been below freezing the entire time. They were still cold.
2007-01-24 05:00:33 · update #1
Based upon your additional information. The sandwiches should be good. Also, they probably didn't have a chance to thaw so you should have no problems refreezing them too.
Were the sandwiches still cold?
Is your car warm inside?
How long were they in the car?
The so-called Food Danger Zone, where bacteria tend to grow, is between 45F to 140F.
If your sandwiches are processed foods, like Jimmy Dean for example, you may be able to let them get a little warmer since the food is cooked and frozen almost immediately, so you have some leaway.
If it's sandwiches you made and froze, then I'd be more leary... especially if they were at room temperature for awhile... more than 3 hours.
Also, I would not rely on the smell test. Some of the pathogens are odorless.
Do not refreeze homemade sandwiches or processed sandwiches you have to defrost before cooking. Just refrigerate and eat today.
2007-01-24 04:53:37 · answer #1 · answered by Dave C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the food. If the food is HOT, throw them all away.
I am guessing that it is something like the biscuits/cheese/sausage sandwiches?? The most obvious thing to check is the sausage -- is it still cold, if so, get them in the frig right away. If it is warm -- throw them all away. The best rule is "When in doubt, throw them away!". Don't take a chance on getting sick.
2007-01-24 12:51:55 · answer #2 · answered by GP 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
common sense says they are probably not good any more. the package probably tells you to KEEP FROZEN. do you want to chance getting food poisoning or making someone else sick? food can be spoiled and look and smell fine. I'd opt for tossing them.
2007-01-24 12:53:04 · answer #3 · answered by wendy_da_goodlil_witch 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they should be fine if it's cold out and they really wouldn't spoil by sitting in the car but if you let them get soggy and try to refreeze them they may not taste as good
2007-01-24 12:54:10 · answer #4 · answered by brown eyes 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's depend of the weather more cold more can keep them outside.. and u will see if the food spoiled from the smell and the color.
2007-01-24 12:48:44 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the only guidline here would be temperature- if it has reach room temp (or about 60 F) you should not use it. if you are planning to refreeze it- forget it at any temp. if it is still cold and you want to heat it up for lunch, go for it.
susan
2007-01-24 12:51:42 · answer #6 · answered by notfromaround_here 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i believe they are fine, such a short time left in car, and the meat is already cooked right? they are ok. if the pkg. still felt cold, and it was not hot outside, you are good to go.
2007-01-24 14:07:12 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
depends how cold it is outside?
If it's not warm out they would be ok for a few hours. If it is warm out - and they are completely thawed out - even a little warm - toss them out.
2007-01-24 12:50:39 · answer #8 · answered by megzz79 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"When in doubt, throw it out". That is my informed answer from my mother.
2007-01-24 12:48:31 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋