Meat and poultry defrosted in the refrigerator must not be refrozen before cooking.

Meat and poultry defrosted in the refrigerator must not be refrozen before cooking.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Depends on weight
• D. Not enough information

Answer: (B)

Meat that defrosts in the refrigerator can be safely returned to the freezer before cooking. Keeping thawed meat at 40°F (4°C) or below slows bacterial growth, so refreezing it does not make it unsafe—though quality may decline with moisture loss. The key condition is that it remained cold and hasn’t spoiled. If thawing occurred by other methods (like in the microwave or in cold water) or it has been held at room temperature too long, refreezing isn’t recommended; cook first or discard.

Meat that defrosts in the refrigerator can be safely returned to the freezer before cooking. Keeping thawed meat at 40°F (4°C) or below slows bacterial growth, so refreezing it does not make it unsafe—though quality may decline with moisture loss. The key condition is that it remained cold and hasn’t spoiled. If thawing occurred by other methods (like in the microwave or in cold water) or it has been held at room temperature too long, refreezing isn’t recommended; cook first or discard.