To trash or not?

S4vant · 11-07-2012, 02:24 PM

Hey guys,

Have a bit of a dilemma. We lost power due to Hurricane Sandy, and it was out for a good 4 days. I had a decent amount of vac sealed meat stored in our upright freezer during this time.

I didn't open the freezer until about 30 minutes after the power went back on, but it looks like the meat had mostly thawed. It was still cool to the touch, but definitely not frozen.

Should I throw it out? It has since re-frozen.

Had a couple of 3-packs of cryopac babybacks, a couple of nice tri-tips, and a bunch of steaks.

Opinions?

The_Kapn · 11-07-2012, 02:33 PM

I would thaw one of the smallest pieces since they would have thawed first.

Smell it and let your nose be your guide.

Best I have to offer.

Remember:
Meat is Cheap.
Doctors are Expensive.
Friends and Family are Priceless.

TIM

landarc · 11-07-2012, 02:47 PM

Yup, I would thaw a thin steak and test for smell. The ribs will be trickier due to plastic funk. Beef that smells sour or moldy, toss it.

Oldyote · 11-07-2012, 03:06 PM

If it were me and assuming that I really didn't know how long the meat was sitting above 40 degrees I'd throw it out. But I'm a little weird about that stuff.

S4vant · 11-07-2012, 03:15 PM

no, not weird at all. I guess I'll probably pitch most of it next trash day....

Time for another run to the butcher.....

caseydog · 11-07-2012, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oldyote

If it were me and assuming that I really didn't know how long the meat was sitting above 40 degrees I'd throw it out. But I'm a little weird about that stuff.

Yeah, since you waited 30 minutes before checking, you have no way of knowing what the temperature was at it's peak, and how long it may have been in the danger zone.

If a freezer full of meat is all you lost, you are pretty fortunate, compared to thousands of other people.

CD

realspaazz · 11-07-2012, 06:02 PM

If you do get rid of it, make a list of the values of the items. Your homeowners insurance just might cover it. My windstorm insurance paid for the contents of my fridge and freezer after hurricane Wilma. (and a new roof, new screens, etc.) It might at least apply towards your deductible.

11-07-2012, 02:24 PM	#1
S4vant Got Wood. Join Date: 07-03-12 Location: Greenlawn, NY Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	To trash or not? Hey guys, Have a bit of a dilemma. We lost power due to Hurricane Sandy, and it was out for a good 4 days. I had a decent amount of vac sealed meat stored in our upright freezer during this time. I didn't open the freezer until about 30 minutes after the power went back on, but it looks like the meat had mostly thawed. It was still cool to the touch, but definitely not frozen. Should I throw it out? It has since re-frozen. Had a couple of 3-packs of cryopac babybacks, a couple of nice tri-tips, and a bunch of steaks. Opinions? __________________ '00 Weber Genesis Silver B // '12 WSM 22.5"

11-07-2012, 02:33 PM	#2
The_Kapn Moderator Emeritus Join Date: 04-08-04 Location: Marianna, FL Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	I would thaw one of the smallest pieces since they would have thawed first. Smell it and let your nose be your guide. Best I have to offer. Remember: Meat is Cheap. Doctors are Expensive. Friends and Family are Priceless. TIM __________________ "Flirtin' with Disaster" BBQ Team (RETIRED) FBA and KCBS Cook and Judge. Former owner of a WSM, a Smokey Joe, a Charbroil Commercial gasser (junk), and the legendary "StudeDera". Now cooking with a FEC100, a Traeger Lil' Tex, and a Fast Eddy PG500 Proud Pellet guy cooking on real wood.

11-07-2012, 02:47 PM	#3
landarc somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 06-26-09 Location: San Leandro, CA Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Yup, I would thaw a thin steak and test for smell. The ribs will be trickier due to plastic funk. Beef that smells sour or moldy, toss it. __________________ "perhaps...but then again...maybe not..." careful there son, those ribs are boiling hot... \_\|_/ (='.'=) Here there be bunnies... (")_(")ooo Pacific Rim BBQ Bob's Brew and Que

11-07-2012, 03:06 PM	#4
Oldyote is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 11-24-10 Location: Duluth MN Downloads: 1 Uploads: 0	If it were me and assuming that I really didn't know how long the meat was sitting above 40 degrees I'd throw it out. But I'm a little weird about that stuff. __________________ 2 Large Big Green Eggs, 1 Hybrid Grill, 1 restored Weber Performer in Green, 1 S-330 and 1 new super secret cooker so secret that not even I have seen it yet. Proud Member of the Zero's Club CLICK HERE to visit the BBQ Brethren Throwdowns "earthbound but aspiring.... A lumbering soul but trying to fly...(with)...not enough wingspread but plenty of intention."

11-07-2012, 03:15 PM	#5
S4vant Got Wood. Join Date: 07-03-12 Location: Greenlawn, NY Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	no, not weird at all. I guess I'll probably pitch most of it next trash day.... Time for another run to the butcher..... __________________ '00 Weber Genesis Silver B // '12 WSM 22.5"

11-07-2012, 06:02 PM	#7
realspaazz Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 08-21-10 Location: Lake Worth, Florida Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	If you do get rid of it, make a list of the values of the items. Your homeowners insurance just might cover it. My windstorm insurance paid for the contents of my fridge and freezer after hurricane Wilma. (and a new roof, new screens, etc.) It might at least apply towards your deductible. __________________ 18.5 WSM, Green Weber Genesis320, Cast iron firepit(w/grill), and a Copper Weber 22" OTS