Two Acceptable Methods for Thawing Frozen Food

Food thawed in the microwave must be cooked immediately.

Safe food-handling practices include guidelines for thawing frozen food. Unsafe food-thawing practices include thawing in hot water and leaving frozen food on a counter at room temperature. Such unsafe food-thawing practices can lead to food-borne illness.

Microwave Method

Microwave ovens can be used to thaw frozen food. Food thawed in microwave ovens must be cooked immediately because the food may begin cooking during the thawing process.

Cold Water Method

Frozen food can be thawed in cold water. To prevent bacteria from spreading as thawing takes place, place frozen food package in a plastic bag. As with microwave-thawed food, food thawed in cold water must be cooked immediately after thawing.

Considerations

To prevent food-borne illness, the USDA recommends cooking food straight from the freezer when short on time. Frozen meat generally takes 50 percent longer to cook than thawed or unfrozen meat.

References

• USDA: Food Safety and Inspection Service