How long will defrosted raw meat good for in room temperature?

Defrosted raw meat should never be left at room temperature for an extended period. It's extremely dangerous as bacteria can multiply rapidly in this environment.

Here's why:

* Foodborne illness: Bacteria thrive in the "danger zone" between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C). Room temperature falls squarely within this range.

* Rapid bacterial growth: Bacteria can double every 20 minutes in the danger zone.

* Increased risk of illness: Eating undercooked meat that has been left out at room temperature for too long can lead to food poisoning.

Instead of leaving defrosted meat at room temperature, here are some safe options:

* Refrigerate immediately: Place the meat back in the refrigerator as soon as it's defrosted.

* Cook it immediately: If you're not ready to cook it right away, keep it in the refrigerator and cook it within 2 days.

* Re-freeze it: You can re-freeze raw meat if you're not going to cook it within 2 days, but the quality may be affected.

Always remember: Food safety is paramount. Never risk your health by leaving defrosted raw meat at room temperature.