You bought pork chops 2 days ago and put them in your downstairs chest freezer only to find out today that the was not turned on Are they safe cook eat?

It's highly likely the pork chops are unsafe to eat.

Here's why:

* Bacteria growth: Meat left at room temperature (or in a freezer that wasn't working) can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause food poisoning.

* No way to know: There is no way to visually determine if the meat is safe.

* Risk is too high: Even if the meat *looks* okay, it could still be contaminated.

Here's what you should do:

* Throw the pork chops away: It's not worth the risk of getting sick.

* Clean your freezer thoroughly: Make sure to clean it with a bleach solution to kill any bacteria that may have been present.

* Check your freezer regularly: Ensure it is working properly to prevent this from happening again.

Always err on the side of caution when it comes to food safety. If you have any questions about food safety, contact your local health department or the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854).