fridge got left open last night

[jameshig]

My wife found it open about midnight. Was probably left open around 9 or so. It was completely warm and it is still a little warm. I am wondering if the eggs/milk are no good.

I smelled the milk and it smells alright.

Any thoughts?

[Bat Guano]

Throw everything out, or you will undoubtedly die. Probably best to get a new refrigerator as well, as the bacteria will have spread to the walls, and will contaminate anything you put in it.

I'm kidding, of course. It's probably fine. If the milk smells OK, then it is OK. Same with everything else; 3 hours may be enough for some things to get a bit warmer than the ideal temperature, but again, the smell test is a pretty good guideline. Eggs don't even really need to be refrigerated.

[Claudette]

LOL! All of us will "undoubtedly die" - love it.

My mom used to leave food out all the time when we were growing up, and we never even got sick, but we might have been lucky. But I can also remember chickens and salads left out at picnics for afternoons without consequences. Cold food in a fridge should be able to survive 3 evening hours, unless one's in a hot summer Arizona kitchen...

[mrbigshotno.1]

If that happened at our place the dog we have now would have made sure all the food was ruined.

[boyzoma]

At our house, the dog would have just eaten anything, not just ruin it! Had the door left open on our freezer once. Boo Hoo.

[morwen]

Sheesh! It must be going around! Found the door ajar on our back-up fridge out in the garage last night.

[ttoommyy]

Check for gremlins! :)

[smtucker]

Well since eggs can live at room temperature they are fine. Milk does let us know if it is past its prime, so if there isn't a smell, chances are it is fine. It just might "go" faster than usual.

Where you will really notice that your fridge was open for three hours is in your electric bill.

[Fibber McGee]

What about tuna salad? Yes, another fridge opening.

[smtucker]

If there is mayonnaise, I don't risk it. Toss.

[Fibber McGee]

Thanks.