Frozen Corned Beef left out to thaw,

Question

in cold basement approximately 40-45 degrees, it was completely frozen about 3 lb. brisket. Discovered it 24 hours later. It was cold to touch, and completely thawed. Still in original vacuum packaging from store. Will this be safe to cook?

Answer 1

I'd be fine with it. Salt is a preservative, and it was still cold to the touch - not the same as if it had spent 24 hours in a 70 degree F environment, or a 40 degree C environment.

The default mantra for this site is to throw everything away. If you or someone you are feeding actually is immune compromised, this makes sense - if not, it's a rather extreme view, but that's the way the wind blows here, so that's the advice you can expect to see upvoted.

Answer 2

Technically; corned beef is so highly salted and preserved; it would probably be fine.

That said; 40-140 is considered the danger zone for food; bacteria / food borne illness can grow.

For the 10 or 15 bucks lost; i would Chuck it and avoid the risk of food poisoning.