The short answer is yes, it’s possible for you to refreeze meat.
The longer explanation may have you wondering if refreezing chicken, beef, or steak is worth it.
Chelsea Edwards, a registered dietitian in Huntsville, Alabama, explains.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Chelsea Edwardsis a registered dietitian and the owner ofHuntsville Nutrition Collectivein Huntsville, Alabama.
Can You Refreeze Meat?
The USDA says the loss of moisture through thawing may cause loss of quality in the meat.
The USDA warns that any foods left outside the refrigerator longer than two hours should not be refrozen.
Meats that have not beendefrosted in the refrigeratorcannot be refrozen without cooking them first.
Food thawed this way should be used or refrozen within three to five days.
Cold Water
Other ways to thaw food include using cold water.
Place the frozen meat in an airtight bag and submerge it in cold water.
Change the water every 30 minutes until thawed.
A small package can thaw in about an hour and a four-pound pack may take a few hours.
Meat defrosted in cold water should be cooked immediately after thawing and should not be refrozen.
Keep an eye on the meat to verify it isn’t cooking instead of thawing.
Meat defrosted in the microwave should be cooked immediately after thawing and not refrozen.
How Long Can Thawed Meat Be Refrigerated?
While the refrigerator is used to thaw meat, that doesn’t mean it can sit there too long.
Meat can remain in the refrigerator for only a few days once defrosted.
Use poultry, fish, and ground meat within two days after thawing.
“There are certain instances where it is unsafe to refreeze meat,” Edwards says.
Why You Should Consider Quality
Aside from food safety,refreezing meatbrings quality into question.
If you’re considering putting thawed meat back into the freezer, Edwards recommends not wasting any time.
How Many Times Can You Refreeze Meat?
In this case, the meat is probably not worth keeping.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to the USDA, meat and poultry should not bethawed in hot water.
Frozen food should thaw at a safe temperature of 40oF to prevent foodborne illness.
Check the temperature before refreezing.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.AskUSDA: Is it safe to refreeze food that has thawed?
U.S. Department of Agriculture.The Big ThawSafe Defrosting Methods.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.AskUSDA: How long can meat and poultry remain in the refrigerator, once thawed?
FoodSafety.gov.Food Safety During Power Outage.
