Injecting Pork Butt 4 hour rule help.

[Professor Q]

I have a question about injecting a butt. I have always injected it and let it rest for about 12 hours in fridge or cooler. Today I read something about a 4 hour rule. As I understand it, the rule states that once the muscle is punctured by the injector it should be at or above 140 degrees within 4 hours to prevent bacteria growth. Is keeping it in the refrigerator for 12 hours dangerous? Thanks for the help

[Q-Dat]

I think that should be at or BELOW 140 degrees if anything. If your injection liquid is cold and you go right back into the fridge, then I don't think you'll have any problems with 12 hours. Many competition cooks get there meat inspected as soon as they arrive at a contest and immediately inject their butts so that they can marinate for as long as possible before cooking.