Pastrami left out for 3.5 hrs after cooking (feel asleep!)..safe to eat?

[SmokinAtTheLake]

Ugh! Accidentally left my freshly smoked ~4 lb pastrami on the countertop for 3 1/2 hours right after smoking, before putting it into the fridge. (Stupid me - fell asleep on the couch..ugh!)

I googled it and FDA says not safe unless refrigerated within 2 hours. But I also know they tend to be super conservatively cautious also.

What do you guys think? Do I need to pitch this or is it (reasonably) safe to eat?

Thanks..

 

[Dirty Steve]

I’d eat it.

 

[TNJAKE]

It’s cured and it was hot at the beginning of sitting out. It’s safe to eat. Likely took it hours to cool down

 

[sandyut]

Good to go for sure! I would totally eat it

 

[DougE]

I'd eat it without a second thought. It's both cured and cooked .......... I've eaten uncured cooked meats left on the counter overnight by accident many times.

 

[SmokinAtTheLake]

Whew! Thanks, guys.

 

[SmokinEdge]

Yea, I’d eat it with no reservation.

 

[gmc2003]

When in doubt. Feed a few slices to that neighbor that nobody on the street likes. If he's fine the next day. You know it's safe to eat.

Chris