Can You Refreeze Partially Thawed Meat?
Can You refreeze partially thawed meat? This article will discuss the safest ways to refreeze this type of meat. You will also learn about common bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Regardless of whether you eat thawed or partially frozen meat, a few things are worth knowing about how to safely refreeze this type of meat.
Safe to refreeze thawed / partially frozen meat
If your meat has been partially thawed, it is safe to refreeze. The USDA recommends keeping it under 40 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if you’re going to leave your meat out in the sun for more than an hour, it will be at risk of freezer burn.
To safely refreeze thawed or partially frozen meat, make sure it is stored in its original packaging. If the package has not been vacuum sealed, wrap the meat in plastic wrap or freezer paper. This will prevent moisture loss and bacteria growth.
When refreezing partially thawed meat, it is best to store it in the freezer at a temperature between 40F and 140F. A meat thermometer should be used to confirm the temperature. The meat should be cold to the touch when refreezed, but it should remain refrigerated for at least two hours.
When refreezing thawed meat, you should carefully inspect it before refreezing. If the package contains raw meat juices, discard it. Partial thawing reduces the quality of the food. It also makes meat less tender and can be more likely to become tough.
If you want to refreeze partially thawed meat, double wrap it. Double wrapping will prevent freezer burn. Place the meat packaging inside another plastic bag, cling film, or aluminum foil. Then, place the packaging in the freezer bag.
Common bacteria that cause food poisoning
Food poisoning can be caused by several different types of bacteria. The most common types are Salmonella, Clostridium perfringens, Campylobacter, and Listeria monocytogenes.
These bacteria are found in raw foods, including meat, poultry, eggs, and unpasteurized milk. While these bacteria are not always harmful to humans, they can cause serious illnesses when eaten by people who are not careful.
Food poisoning can also be caused by bacteria and viruses in food. The symptoms of food poisoning can look similar to those of a stomach flu, and treatment will typically focus on replacing fluids, soothing nausea and vomiting, and preventing dehydration.
In severe cases, treatment may involve hospitalization. In order to prevent food poisoning, you should avoid refreezing partially thawed meat and poultry without washing it first. In addition, you should thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables before preparing them.
The CDC warns against thawing meat at room temperature because bacteria multiply quickly at that temperature. For this reason, experts recommend that you cook the meat before refreezing it.
If you can’t avoid refreezing meat, you can thaw it in the refrigerator. However, this method may result in lower quality raw meat. Cooking meat to an appropriate temperature kills most bacteria, but it may leave behind some toxins that can make you sick.
Staph aureus is a common bacteria that can cause food poisoning. This bacterium can grow in temperatures ranging from 50 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it is not safe to reheat staph-contaminated foods because the toxins will not be destroyed when the temperature is raised again.
