how long can thawed meat sit out
Meat provides the ideal environment for bacteria to breed, so the U.S. Department of Agriculture cautions consumers against thawing raw meat at room temperature. In fact, raw meat should never sit out in temperatures above 40 F for extended periods of time â and never longer than two hours for any reason. The type of meat doesn't matter when it comes to the two-hour rule. If itâs raw, itâs no longer safe to eat once it sits out at room temperature for two hours. Once you've reached the two-hour time limit, bacteria that is naturally found on raw meat begins to grow to levels that are unsafe for consumption.