What should you do with thawed foods?

Thawed foods should be cooked before refreezing to ensure food safety. When foods are thawed, particularly meat, poultry, and seafood, they may have reached temperatures that allow for the growth of harmful bacteria. Cooking them thoroughly kills any bacteria present, making the food safe to eat. Once cooked, it can be safely refrozen for later use.

In contrast, thawing foods and then refreezing them without cooking can lead to the growth of bacteria, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses. While refrigerating thawed foods is a safe option, it is generally recommended to use them within a short period or cook them before refreezing. Discarding them should only be done if the food has been left out for too long or shows signs of spoilage. Refreezing thawed foods immediately without cooking doesn't address safety concerns, making cooking the preferred and safest method for handling thawed items.