AboutCarol Schlitt Expertise I can answer questions on home food safety, sanitation, home food preservation and commercial food safety (HACCP).
Experience I am an Extension educator, nutrition, wellness and food safety. I am a certified HACCP manager and a food safety instructor for the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Organizations International Association for Food Protection, American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (Certified CFCS), National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Society for Nutrition Education.
Education/Credentials BS - University of Illinois
MS - Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville
Question I bought frozen food back from the supermarket and I have forgotten to put it in the freezer. It's been left outside for 3 days. Is it still ok? How long can frozen food last if not kept refrigerated?
Thank you
Answer Hi Luraya,
NO -- the food is not okay to consume. Frozen food that has been completely defrosted at room temperature is not considered safe to consume, even if it is refrozen.
When the power is out, our recommendation is if the food still has ice crystals it can safely be refrozen. With ice crystals this indicates that the interior temperature of the food has not risen above 32 degree -- or in other words a cold refrigerator setting. If it does not have ice crystals, the food should be thrown away.
