It isn't necessary to wash raw beef before cooking it. Any bacteria which might be present on the surface would be destroyed by cooking.
Safe Defrosting
There are three safe ways to defrost beef: in the refrigerator, in cold water, and in the microwave. Never defrost beef on the counter or in other locations. Beef defrosted in the microwave or by the cold water method should be cooked before refreezing because it may have been held at temperatures above 40 °F. It is safe to cook frozen beef in the oven, on the stove, or grill without defrosting it first; the cooking time may be about 50% longer. Do not cook frozen beef in a slow cooker.
Partial Cooking
Never brown or partially cook beef to refrigerate and finish cooking later because any bacteria present wouldn't have been destroyed. It is safe to partially pre-cook or microwave beef immediately before transferring it to the hot grill to finish cooking.
Safe Cooking
For safety, the USDA recommends cooking hamburgers and ground beef mixtures such as meat loaf to 160 °F on a meat thermometer. However, whole muscle meats such as steaks and roasts may be cooked to 145 °F (medium rare), 160 °F (medium), 170 °F (well done). Remember that appliances and outdoor grills can vary in heat. Use a meat thermometer to check for safe cooking and doneness of beef.
Microwave Directions
When microwaving unequal size pieces of beef, arrange in dish or on rack so thick parts are toward the outside of dish and thin parts are in the center; cook on medium-high or medium power. Place a roast in an oven cooking bag or in a covered pot. Use a meat thermometer to test for doneness in several places to be sure temperatures listed above have been reached.
Storage Times
Since product dates aren't a guide for safe use of a product, how long can the consumer store the food and still use it at top quality? Follow these tips:
• Purchase the product before the date expires.
• Follow handling recommendations on product.
• Keep beef in its package until using.
• It is safe to freeze beef in its original packaging. If freezing longer
than 2 months, overwrap these packages with airtight heavy-duty foil,
plastic wrap, or freezer paper or place the package inside a plastic bag.
• For storage times, consult the following chart.
