The length of time pork loin can safely stay in a crock pot depends on a few factors, such as the temperature setting of the crock pot and the size of the pork loin. Here are some general guidelines:
Cooking time: Pork loin typically takes 4 to 6 hours on low heat or 2 to 3 hours on high heat to cook in a crock pot. This assumes you are starting with a thawed or fresh piece of pork loin.
Keeping warm: Most crock pots have a "keep warm" setting that will maintain a safe temperature for the cooked pork loin. This setting is usually around 145°F (63°C) or above, which is the safe minimum temperature for pork.
Total time: When combining cooking and keeping warm times, it's generally recommended not to leave cooked pork loin in the crock pot for more than 4 hours on high heat or 8 hours on low heat. Beyond these times, the pork may become overcooked, dry, or less safe to eat.
To ensure food safety, it's essential to use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork loin. The pork should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) before it's considered safe to eat.
If you plan to keep the pork loin warm in the crock pot for an extended period, you can reduce the temperature to the "keep warm" setting once it has reached the safe internal temperature.
Remember, it's always better to be cautious with food safety. If you are unsure about the quality or safety of the pork loin, it's best to discard any leftovers after the recommended time or within a maximum of 2 hours if it has been at room temperature.