Found freezer door ajar FOOD SAFETY

[SammyJ]

Closed it solid just a few minutes ago. Meat temps up to 41, read with IR gun. Am I OK, or start cooking ha ha.

[Mosca]

If it was the fridge I’d say no problem. The freezer, I’ll let someone else answer. How are the meats in the back/bottom?

[Alan Brice]

I believe refrigerator temps are 38 degrees. I think you are fine to cook. just wouldnt try to refreeze or keep the cooked product very long. your temp gun only getting external. The rest is prob still frzn solid and very safe. Any idea how long the door was open?

[WayneT]

FYI, above 40F, according to CREA, is when bacterial growth begins in food.

[fzxdoc]

If it's an upright, check the food in the door. Food in that part of the freezer thaws quickly.

If the food at the front of each shelf is below 40°, I'd say go ahead and refreeze. You might lose a bit in taste or texture of the meat or other food, but it will be OK, just as if you had thawed it out in the fridge and then refrozen it--not necessarily ideal from a food quality standpoint but OK from a food safety standpoint.

I live in dread of our freezers not working or my leaving the doors ajar. Good luck with your freezer situation, Sammy.

Kathryn

[SammyJ]

Blocks of pulled pork frozen solid. Ribs look thawed, but no flex. Think I caught it just in time.

[bbqLuv]

Sounds like you did catch it in time. But what an excuse to fire up the grill, and start cooking, and eating. Don't forget the pictures.

[CHNeal]

Is the food still frozen? I know you are saying the surface is is 41, but is the meat still frozen in the middle? My guess is yes and if so just close the door and go about your business you are fine.

The surface of all my meat is probably that or higher when I get it home in the summer here after the 10 mile drive from Sam’s in the back of my truck at +100 degrees.

[smokin fool]

We've had it happen large or bulky items will be OK smaller items with no mass see ya later.

[texastweeter]

Your good.

[STEbbq]

Based on your comments, I’d close the door and you are good.

[58limited]

As for me, I'd close the door and not worry about it but if you are worried play it safe and cook or discard.

[rlozinak]

If it was me, I would close the door and not worry

[DavidNorcross]

Is the meat starting to thaw? If it is soft, I would cook it. Hope this is not a huge loss for you. Do you know how long it was open? Highly recommend alarms for your freezers.

[STEbbq]

https://pitmaster.amazingribs.com/forum/accessorize-your-pit/digital-thermometers/1085648-always-worthwhile-to-check-your-fridge-on-occasion?p=1110137#post1110137

[treesmacker]

Yep - I bought this same one after it happened to us - freezer is out in garage. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07XD68G...mazingribs--20

[SammyJ]

Thawed these yesterday, on my Yoder today. Texture and smell no problem.

[fzxdoc]

All's well that ends well.

Kathryn