Most, but not all, frozen foods need to be defrosted before you can cook them. Here are some helpful tips to help ensure that frozen food is thawed safely.
The safest way to defrost food is in the lower part of your fridge. When defrosting, allow at least 24 hours for every 2-2.5 kg (4-5 lb ), to ensure food is properly thawed. Once defrosted, cook or eat it within 24 hours. Do not refreeze it.
Defrost food in the microwave only if you are going to cook and eat it straight away
When you defrost food in the microwave, it can get warm enough to allow harmful bacteria to grow. Cooking the food immediately will kill any bacteria, but if you leave it the bacteria will continue to multiply.
Be sure to check the microwave setting and time in your microwave manual.
Check the package before defrosting
Some pre-packed frozen foods are best cooked from frozen. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Make sure poultry is completely thawed before you cook it
If poultry is still partly frozen when you start to cook, it will cook more slowly and might not reach a high enough temperature to kill harmful bacteria. Check whether the meat feels frozen by using a fork or skewer.
When defrosting a whole bird, make sure there are no ice crystals in the cavity.
Defrost meat on the bottom shelf of the fridge
Put it on a plate away from other foods. When meat thaws, a lot of liquid can come out, which can spread bacteria to any food, plates, or surfaces that it touches. Keep the meat covered so that it cannot touch or drip onto other foods
Only defrost meat in the microwave if you are going to cook and eat it straight away.
Cook the raw meat within 24 hours of defrosting.
If you defrost raw meat and then cook it, you can freeze it again. Never reheat foods more than once.
Always cook frozen berries before using
Imported frozen berries should be boiled for one minute before eating them or adding them to smoothies. This is because they have been associated with outbreaks of norovirus and hepatitis A across Europe in recent years.
This is particularly important when serving them to vulnerable people.
Do not refreeze food that has defrosted
You should never refreeze food that has defrosted.
