Left the fridge open a crack - still ok to eat???

[Anonymous]

I can't believe I did this!

I made three dozen meatballs for dinner tonight. We are having company. They aren't cooked yet.

I left the fridge drawer open a crack when I last used it around 12:45. I have a digital thermometer on the outside of the fridge, and it's telling me that compartment is 70 degrees. The dish the meatballs are in and the meatballs are still cold. There's no condensation on the dish.

Would you still cook, serve and eat them?

I'm pregnant if it makes any difference.

Thank you so much.

[Anonymous]

definitely

[Anonymous]

Yes. In a way, it's safer that they aren't cooked because you can cook them to ensure that any potential contaminants are killed.

Make sure to cook them to to the right internal temp (see guidelines at http://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/charts/mintemp.html)

[Anonymous]

According to the chart at the www.foodsafety.gov site referenced above, raw meat held above 40 degrees for more than two hours should be discarded. Do not take a chance the health of you, your spouse, your unborn baby, and your guests! It is NOT worth it!

[Anonymous]

I would cook them bc they are probably fine but I wouldn't eat any bc I was pregnant. I would still let my husband and guests enjoy them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would cook them bc they are probably fine but I wouldn't eat any bc I was pregnant. I would still let my husband and guests enjoy them.

[Anonymous]

I cooked them and ate them. I guess we will know soon if they were ok.
Thanks all.

[Anonymous]

No no you must throw out the fridge. It has gone bad.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I cooked them and ate them. I guess we will know soon if they were ok.
Thanks all.

Like living on the edge huh?

[Anonymous]

Just burn down the house and start over somewhere else.