According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service, thawing pork on the counter is a dangerous practice. Because bacteria develops quickly at room temperature, thawing pork on the counter may put you and your family at risk of serious food-borne illness. Instead, thaw pork in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in your microwave oven.
Refrigerator
Thawing pork in the refrigerator is the safest way to it but is also the slowest. Plan for 24 hours to ensure the pork thaws completely. Once thawed in the refrigerator, you can safely refrigerate pork for three to five days, and within this three- to five-day time frame, you can safely refreeze pork, according to Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service. To thaw pork safely in the refrigerator, place the meat in a shallow pan. Put the pan on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator to prevent possible drips from tainting food placed under the pan.
Cold Water
To thaw pork in cold water, leave the meat in its original airtight packaging. Otherwise, place the pork in an airtight plastic bag. Fill your sink or a large bowl with cold water, then place the pork in the water. Empty the water and replace it with fresh, cold water every 30 minutes. Never refreeze pork thawed in cold water.
Microwave
Thaw pork in your microwave's medium-low or defrost setting. Time needed to thaw pork varies with the weight of the pork, so check the meat often. Turn the meat every few minutes to promote even thawing. Thaw pork in the microwave oven only when you're sure you're ready to cook the pork immediately. Otherwise, bacteria may develop, as the microwave may begin to cook the center of the pork during the thawing process.
Safe Cooking
Using a meat thermometer ensures that pork has reached a temperature high enough to kill bacteria. Cook ground pork to a temperature of 155 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook roasts, chops and ham to a temperature of at least 145 degrees F for medium-rare meat. For medium or well-done pork, cook the pork to temperatures of 160 and 170 degrees F, respectively.
Member Comments