Defrosted beef overnight - should I use it?????

[Mo2]

I got a pack of diced lean beef out of the freezer last night about 9 pm and left it on the kitchen bench.
I meant to put it in the fridge when I went to bed, but of course I forgot!

This morning it was fully defrosted, but still cold-ish.

Can I /should I still use it, or bin it??

Any food microbiologists out there willing to give me a 'risk assessment'?

Not a food microbiologist but I'd use it - cooking kills most things.

Yeah, I'd use it too.

I would use it too - what are you going to make for my tea?

me too

yeah should be fine. as long as your kitchen doesnt get stupidly hot at night anyway.

libb - ha! - A fine beef bourginoun (Sp?).... what time shall I expect you???

ooh luvly - any time that my DS deems suitable! a nice home cooked meal seems like a distant memory at the moment . . .

I'd use it ... until recently this was how I defrosted my mince etc! Don't do that now though - but I didn't give any of us food poisoning in the past.

Would use it - my Dad always leaves things out to defrost, I always tell him to do it in the fridge but his answer 'I'm still here!'

Enjoy your tea!

Food microbiologist here, officially I wouldn't recommend it, all defrosting should be in a fridge BUT in saying that it's not the middle of summer and if your kitchen was quite cold all night it would probably be fine.

The main concern would be spoilage first and foremost and one whiff would tell you if it had gone off. The others were correct as long as it's thoroughly cooked most food poisoning bugs will be destroyed.

My rule of thumb is if you have doubts don't do it

Message withdrawn

I knew there would be a food microbiologist on mumsnet! Fab!

no, don't bother. if you're not sure, don't risk it. just go out and buy a fresh pack. happy cooking!