How long can fresh meat sit at room temperature before bacteria grow?

[chirhone]

We know that meats in freezer can be thawed safely by putting it in the lower refrigerator then cooking it directly without thawing by putting at room. This is because bacteria can grow if not very cold.

How about those meat newly bought at market? How long before bacteria grow in them if you don't put in freezer immediately?

Before Lockdown. Some relatives bought meat at market in the morning. After they send them to me at late afternoon. I noticed they were not yet frozen. So I'm deciding whether to throw the entire stock of food.

 

[marcusl]

It depends on whether it was kept refrigerated. You can find official guidelines here
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/porta...ng/keep-food-safe-food-safety-basics/ct_index