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 QUESTION: I had some unopened bags of frozen vegetables in the freezer and turned off the circuit breakers before leaving for a trip (not the frig or freezer, but apparently it was wired wrong) because when i returned the frig & freezer were nasty. I was gone for a week. if i refreeze the unopened bags, are they still good to eat.
ANSWER: Hi Lynn,
No -- you should not refreeze the unopened bags of vegetables. Any frozen food that has been defrosted for a week must be pitched -- meat, vegetables, fruit, ice cream etc.
Carol
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: i've always known not to refreeze meats when they've been thawed but why is it that a sealed bag of vegetables cannot be used. i don't mean to question your expertise but why????
Answer Hi Lynn,
It is possible to refreeze thawed vegetables if they are in good condition. Thawed vegetables after one week will probably not be in good condition as mold has probably already began to grow.
However, if you checked the vegetables and they looked okay to you, it is possible to either cook the vegetables and consume or cook and refreeze. Personally, I would not chance it...but if you feel the vegetables are still edible it is your choice.
