Is It Still Safe to Eat?

Question

I brought one of those little frozen dinners to work today, and I forgot it in my bag. It was left out in the car, and it didn't get hot because it's really cold outside. It's not frozen anymore though, just cold. Is it safe to heat up and eat?

Thanks, everyone.
It's a pre-cooked pasta and marinara sauce- no meat, and it's less than 40 degrees outside so I guess it's fine.

Answer 1

What kind of frozen food was it? I'm assuming it was all precooked anyway, so that decreases the risk of spoilage. Either way, food should be kept below 40 degrees or above 140 degrees. Between those numbers is the danger zone. Food should still be ok if left in the danger zone for 4 hours or less (this is the amount of time allowable in foodservice, though the gov tends to tell home cooks no more than 2 hours).

If it's really cold where you are, your food may have thawed, but it could still be under 40 degrees and safe to eat. It just might take less time to heat up and perhaps the texture will be affected (like when you let frozen pizza thaw a bit before baking).

So figure out the temp and use your best judgement.

Good luck on your lunch adventure. :)

Tessa Somers

Answer 2

Yeah. Should be fine. I frequently bring a frozen meal to work and let it thaw sitting out on my desk so it heats up more quickly.

Answer 3

As long as the temperature outside has been below forty degrees you should have no problem if you eat it.

Answer 4

It probably isn't...that kind of environment is perfect for bacteria and other foodborne illnesses to breed. I wouldn't chance it...especially if there's meat in it.

Answer 5

Yes, it should even taste better now lol.

You let it thawed for a long time.

Answer 6

yes as long as it didnt reach above 42 degrees , it is ok...... dont know how good it will be though!!!!

Answer 7

it should be okay still.