If you’re like many people, you might have wondered how long raw bacon can safely sit out of the refrigerator. As someone who enjoys bacon, you want to make sure that it’s still safe to eat when you’re ready to cook it. In this article, we’ll explore how long raw bacon can sit out and provide you with some tips to keep it safe.
Raw bacon should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Refrigerate it as soon as possible if it has been out for more than two hours. Cooked bacon can be left out at room temperature for up to 4 hours.
How Long Can Raw Bacon Sit Out?
Raw bacon is a popular breakfast food, but it is important to know how long it can safely sit out before it needs to be refrigerated. The amount of time raw bacon can be left out depends on the temperature of the environment and the specific type of bacon being used. It is important to follow safe food handling practices to ensure the food is safe to eat and prevent the spread of food-borne illnesses.
Temperature Concerns
Raw bacon can only be left out at room temperature for a short period of time. According to the US Department of Agriculture, raw bacon should not be left out at temperatures above 40°F for more than two hours. This means that if the room temperature is higher than 40°F, the bacon should be refrigerated within two hours of being left out. Any bacon that has been left out longer than two hours should be discarded.
It is also important to consider the temperature of the bacon when it is brought out from the refrigerator. The bacon should be stored at temperatures below 40°F, so it should not be left out for more than two hours if the temperature of the bacon is higher than 40°F when it is taken out of the refrigerator.
Type of Bacon
The type of bacon being used can also affect how long it can be left out. According to the USDA, precooked bacon can be left out at room temperature for up to two hours. This means that precooked bacon can be left out at room temperature for a longer period of time than raw bacon.
On the other hand, cured bacon can only be left out at room temperature for one hour, according to the USDA. Cured bacon is bacon that has been treated with salt, sugar, and other preservatives in order to extend its shelf life. This type of bacon should be refrigerated within one hour of being left out.
Safe Handling Practices
It is important to follow safe food handling practices when dealing with raw bacon. The bacon should be stored in a clean container in the refrigerator and should not come in contact with other food items. The container should be washed before and after use to prevent the spread of bacteria.
The bacon should be cooked thoroughly before being consumed. The bacon should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 160°F in order to kill any bacteria that may be present. It is also important to wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling the bacon in order to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Storing Leftovers
Any bacon that is left over after cooking should be stored in the refrigerator in a clean container. The bacon should be used within four days of being stored in the refrigerator. It is important to follow safe food handling practices when dealing with cooked bacon in order to prevent the spread of food-borne illnesses.
Discarding Bacon
Any bacon that has been left out for longer than two hours should be discarded. This includes both raw and cooked bacon. It is important to follow safe food handling practices and discard any bacon that has been left out for too long in order to prevent the spread of food-borne illnesses.
Few Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How long can raw bacon sit out of the fridge?
A1. Raw bacon should not be left out of the fridge for more than two hours. If the temperature is higher than 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the bacon should not sit out for longer than an hour. Any longer than this and the bacon could become contaminated with bacteria, which could make anyone who eats it ill. For safety, raw bacon should always be stored in the refrigerator at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
Q2. What happens if raw bacon sits out for too long?
A2. If raw bacon sits out for too long, it can become contaminated with bacteria, such as salmonella or listeria. These bacteria can cause foodborne illnesses, which can be serious and even life-threatening in some cases. It is important to always store raw bacon in the refrigerator and to not leave it out for longer than two hours.
Q3. Is it safe to eat raw bacon that has been sitting out?
A3. It is not safe to eat raw bacon that has been sitting out for longer than two hours, as it could be contaminated with bacteria. Even if the bacon looks and smells ok, it is not safe to eat it. The only way to ensure the bacon is safe to eat is to store it in the refrigerator at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
Q4. What should you do with raw bacon that has been sitting out?
A4. If raw bacon has been left out for more than two hours, it should be discarded immediately. It is not safe to eat, as it could be contaminated with bacteria. It is important to always store raw bacon in the refrigerator at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, to ensure its safety.
Q5. How can you tell if raw bacon has gone bad?
A5. Raw bacon can go bad if it is not stored properly or if it has been out of the fridge for too long. You can tell if raw bacon has gone bad by looking for signs of spoilage, such as a slimy texture, an off-odor, or discoloration. If you notice any of these signs, discard the bacon immediately.
Q6. What temperature should raw bacon be stored at?
A6. Raw bacon should be stored in the refrigerator at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. This will ensure that the bacon stays fresh and safe to eat for a longer period of time. It is also important to make sure you do not leave raw bacon out of the fridge for more than two hours, as this could cause the bacon to become contaminated with bacteria.
How Long Can Meat Sit Out? Cured, Raw, Frozen, Cooked & More
In conclusion, it is important to remember that raw bacon should not be left to sit out for an extended period of time. In general, it is best to keep the bacon refrigerated and to consume it within two hours of being left out. If you find yourself with bacon that has been left out for longer than two hours, it is best to discard it to avoid potential food-borne illnesses.
