Expert: Carol Schlitt - 7/11/2007

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.

Carol