Chicken left out - how safe?

[Dapster]

Ocado delivered when I was out so I asked them to leave the shopping on the doorstep. It’s about 13 degrees outside tonight. Chicken breasts have spent 3 hours outside. Will they still be safe or should I just bin them as there are 3 kids to think about ?

[Jordie Barretts sock]

Chilled or frozen?

IMHO both will be fine. Just make sure they are properly cooked.

[Defcon5]

If it doesn’t make you retch when you open the packet it’s fine

That’s my rule with all meat

[Percy Cushion]

Call the vet, he’ll have it back on its feet in no time

[Dapster]

They’re chilled. I’ll just try a bit on the youngest and if she pulls through then we’re good to go….

[grumbledoak]

It will probably be fine.

Smell it. If it smells foul bin it.

In truth even if it whiffs a bit you could wash it and cook it. Unscrupulous merchants used to wash unsold chickens in water and ash and put them back on sale. Not legal now, but what you don't know won't hurt you. It's the cooking that kills the bacteria anyway.

[ridds]

3 hours that you know of....

Imagine where it might have been before clucking and getting to you.

[Bill]

I'd eat them sooner rather than later, but if they smell ok not be concerned.

[loskie]

they are also packed in a protective atmosphere

https://www.food.gov.uk/sites/default/files/media/...


cook it it will be fine


Don't be such a pussy

[Some Gump]

3 hours?

Stop being a bloody ponce. Chickens existed for centuries before refrigeration, I doubt the abbotoir was inside the skullery.

If I’m doubt, chuck some chilli sauce on it. Works for kebabs.

[MitchT]

Was it still cold when you unpacked it? If so, don't worry. Abel & Cole deliver to our outbuilding at about 6am and sometimes we don't get to it until about 9. During last year's heatwave everything was fine having spent up to three hours outside at around 20 degrees.

[loskie]

I'll wager he threw it out.

Sniff it

If it smells ok

It's ok

[Jordie Barretts sock]

Yeah. You have a point. Shops at Ocado.

[Dapster]

No noooooo! It’s back in the fridge. Thanks all!

[Mobile Chicane]

The nose knows.

If it smells 'off', bin.

[LordFlathead]

We have a dozen chickens left out and they cook perfectly fine