You’re not supposed to defrost meats in warm water due to harmful bacteria growth, you’re not supposed to leave food at room temperature for long without being refrigerated because of harmful growth but, when you go to a buffet, food can sit out for hours under heat lamps and be fine?
In: Biology
Food Safety Microbiologist for a state regulatory agency here.
1.). The top post nailed it, and I’m very exited that so many people chimed in with correct info!
2.). As always, there are exceptions. Listeria monocytogenes (L. mono.) can grow – albeit slowly- under 40 degree refrigeration temps. So what about deli meat in a supermarket? They must have date marking in place to track when the package was first opened, and discard any remaining after 7 days. (L. mono. Is bad. Especially for the unborn. It has about a 25% fetal loss rate if the mother contracts it. The reason they tell expectant moms to avoid deli sandwiches.)
3.). I frequently reference Too Gun, Danger Zone and Kenny Loggins in a training PowerPoint I would give on the subject. I am thrilled there is a new Top Gun coming out so this remains relevant!
Latest Answers