Risky or Not?

A short podcast about everyday risks from germs

  • Episodes
  • About
  • Contact us
  • Subscribe
  • Statistics
  • Merch
  • Search/Tags

ChatGPT image description: A stern restaurant inspector checks a prime rib roasting overnight, holding a thermometer showing under 120°F. The chef sleeps beside the oven, oblivious. The scene contrasts the inspector’s alarm with the chef’s exhaustion, highlighting unsafe cooking conditions and a tense, dimly lit kitchen atmosphere. Don's comment: I think this guy looks a little bit like Pete Snyder. Also very weird thermometer.

861. Russel's 120 °F Prime Rib

December 10, 2025 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from Russel's 120 °F prime rib recipe, which is a follow up to episode 854, Chef John's Perfect Prime Rib.

Dr. Don - risky ☣️
Professor Ben - risky ☣️

  • 854. Chef John's Perfect Prime Rib — Risky or Not?
  • Conference for Food Protection, Inc - Issues
  • 2025-III-33 Raw Animal Foods Come-Up-Time (CUT)
  • Conference for Food Protection, Inc - Biennial Meeting Materials
  • 2025 Council III Issues Packet sent to Assembly of Delegates.pdf - Google Drive
  • Conference for Food Protection, Inc - Guides
  • CFP Guidance Documents for Safe Handling and Cooking of Roaster Pigs 10-25-21.
  • Microbiological Safety of Commercial Prime Rib Preparation Methods: Thermal Inactivation of Salmonella in Mechanically Tenderized Rib Eye - ScienceDirect
December 10, 2025 /Don Schaffner
Cooking, Prime rib, Long come up times

Chef John declares that it's OK for him to touch his own meat.

854. Chef John's Perfect Prime Rib

November 24, 2025 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks of making rare roast beef.

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼
Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼

  • Chef John's Perfect Prime Rib Recipe
  • John Mitzewich - Allrecipes
  • Supplemental Questions and Answers on Descriptive Designation for Needle-Or Blade - Tenderized (Mechanically Tenderized) Beef Products
  • USDA Finalizes Rule to Require Labeling of Mechanically Tenderized Beef Products | Food Safety and Inspection Service
  • FSIS Cooking Guideline for Meat and Poultry Products (Revised Appendix A) December, 2021
  • Dr. Hook - Wikipedia
  • Dr. John - Wikipedia
  • John Mitzewich - Wikipedia
  • Predictive Model for Growth of Staphylococcus aureus on Raw Pork, Ham, and Sausage - ScienceDirect
  • Mr. Mom: "220, 221... Whatever it takes..." - YouTube
  • APPENDIX 4: Bacterial Pathogen Growth and Inactivation
November 24, 2025 /Don Schaffner
Prime rib, Rare, Cooking

Powered by Squarespace