Kitchen
Why Thawing Meat on the Counter Is Risky
Food can still be frozen in the center while the outside has warmed enough for bacteria to multiply quickly. That is why FDA does not recommend thawing meat, poultry, seafood, or other perishable foods on the counter.
The standard safe methods are the refrigerator, cold water, and the microwave. Food thawed in cold water or in the microwave should be cooked promptly, while refrigerator thawing gives you the most flexibility.