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I accidentally left meat in the trunk of my car, it's so cold outside it froze, can I still use it?

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  • There shouldn't be any issue if the temperature drops? It'd be different if the meat was left out in hot weather.
    – Muz
    Jan 27, 2014 at 23:06
  • it has been cold the whole time the meat froze rock solid
    – Ana
    Jan 27, 2014 at 23:20

1 Answer 1

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If the ambient temperature outside (and thus in the car) was below 40 F / 4 C the entire time the meat was left out, then yes, it is still safe just as if it had been in the refrigerator (or freezer as the case may be). If that is not true, discard.

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  • the temperature has been so cold that the meat froze rock solid, I would hate to have to discard it but at the same time I don't want my family to get sick
    – Ana
    Jan 27, 2014 at 23:26
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    If it really froze rock solid, you can probably infer it was under 40 F.
    – SAJ14SAJ
    Jan 27, 2014 at 23:35
  • yes it has been in the 30's or less thank you for your help
    – Ana
    Jan 27, 2014 at 23:59
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    @Ana Also make sure to inspect for any sign of animals getting in. The trunk of a car is not small animal proof. Hopefully it was sealed in plastic, which you can check for damage.
    – derobert
    Jan 28, 2014 at 9:15

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