Safe Defrosting Methods

Does freezing kill all pathogens and parasites?

No . A common misunderstanding is that freezing makes food sterile (ie, it kills all microbes

including bacteria, yeasts and moulds) – this is NOT the case. The best way to kill

pathogens and parasites in food is to cook food thoroughly.

How long can I store frozen food?

Cooked meat 1-2 months

Fish / seafood 2 months

Raw mince 2 months

Raw whole chicken 6 months

Chicken portions 3-4 months

Cooked chicken 1 month

Casseroles, soups 2-3 months

Egg whites 12 months

Bread 1-3 months

Safe Defrosting Methods

1- Refrigerator Thawing

• Planning ahead is the key because a large frozen turkey requires at least 24 hours for every 5 pounds.

• Small amounts of frozen food — such as a pound of ground meat or boneless chicken breasts — require a full day to thaw

• Food will take longer to thaw in a refrigerator set at 35 °F than one set at 40 °F.

• After thawing in the refrigerator, items such as ground meat, stew meat, poultry, seafood, should remain safe and good quality for an additional day or two before cooking.

• Red meat cuts (such as beef, pork or lamb roasts, chops and steaks) should remain safe and good quality 3 to 5 days.

• Food thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen without cooking, although there may be some loss of quality.

2- Cold Water Thawing

• This method is faster than refrigerator thawing but requires more attention.

• The food must be in a leak-proof package or plastic bag. If the bag leaks, bacteria from the air or surrounding environment could be introduced into the food. Also, the meat tissue may absorb water, resulting in a watery product.

• The bag should be submerged in cold tap water, changing the water every 30 minutes so it continues to thaw.

• Small packages of meat, poultry or seafood — about a pound — may thaw in 1 hour or less.

• A 3-to 4-pound package may take 2 to 3 hours. For whole turkeys, estimate about 30 minutes per pound.

• Once thawed food must be cooked immediately. Foods thawed by the cold water method should be cooked before refreezing.

3- Microwave Thawing

• After thawing in the microwave, always cook immediately, whether microwave cooking, by conventional oven, or grilling.

• Holding partially cooked food is not recommended because any bacteria present wouldn't have been destroyed and, indeed, the food may have reached optimal temperatures for bacteria to grow.

• Foods thawed in the microwave should be cooked before refreezing.

• Also, never thaw foods in a garage, basement, car, dishwasher or plastic garbage bag; out on the kitchen counter, outdoors or on the porch. These methods can leave your foods unsafe to eat.

4- Cooking Without Thawing

• It is safe to cook foods from the frozen state.

• The cooking will take approximately 50% longer than the recommended time for fully thawed or fresh meat and poultry.

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/safe-food-handling/the-big-thaw-safe-defrosting-methods-for-consumers/bigthaw2