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 had several pieces of frozen meat including chicken, pork and steak that were left in my car for about three hours. It was about 73 degrees out at the time. When I put them in my freezer some of the juices had liquified but the meat still seemed mostly frozen (only partially defrosted around the edges). Ice crystals were still present and very evident. However, I am currently 8 months pregnant and concerned I need to be more cautious. Since it was only left out for three hours and ice crystals were present, can I refreeze it and will it still be safe to eat?
Answer Hi Mandy,
While it's not the recommended way to thaw meat -refrigerator, under cold running water, microwave or don't thaw and cook from a frozen state are the 4 recommended ways - we tell consumers that if their freezer fails it is safe to refreeze meats if ice crystals are still present. We also recommend that potentially hazardous foods (meats fit in this category)be allowed to be at room temperatures no more than 2 hours. Three hours is pushing the limit.
Also, some bacteria produce waste products (yes everything including 1 cell bacteria produce waste)that are not innactivated by cooking.
Couple this with the fact that you are 8 months pregnant and the concern for safety for both you and your child increases.
So....what should you do? Personally I feel that if you defrost the meat in the refrigerator and then thoroughly cook it, you and your baby should be safe. But you are right -- you need to be cautious and make sure that meat and other potentially hazardous foods stay out of room temperatures -- the ideal temperatures for bacteria to grow. I can not guarantee that the meat is safe -- only that the probability that within 3 hours harmful bacteria could grow to dangerous levels is very remote.
Ultimately, the decision will be up to you. We do have a saying....When in doubt, throw it out....and that should be your guiding rule for future food safety issues.
Good luck with your last month of pregnancy.
If I can be of further assistance, please let me know.
