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Question
My freezer quit operating and although the large meat items on the bottom did not completely thaw, the smaller things like frozen entrees, vegetables, hamburger patties, hot dogs, frozen tv dinners, etc. did thaw. Although they were not warm, they were not frozen solid. Is it safe to re-freeze these items? I have not un-packaged or unwrapped anything. Thank you for your response. Kate
Hi Kate,
The general rule of thumb is if there are still ice crystals in the products, they can be safely refrozen. You mention that your large meat items most definitely did not completely defrost so they are safe to refreeze. Other items are questionable as to their state of thaw and it's those that will need to be judged as to their safety and ultimate quality upon refreezing and eating at a later time.
Vegetables and ice cream are 2 items that do not refreeze well and will taste "refrozen." While this is not harmful, it's just not very appetizing. Hamburgers, entrees and frozen TV dinners are potentially hazardous foods that I would be very, very sure they still had ice crystals when discovered to safely refreeze. If not...pitch.
For a chart on what to keep and what to toss after a freezer quits, bookmark this website: http://www.fcs.uga.edu/ext/pubs/fdns/FDNS-E-43-06.pdf
Good luck Kate,
Carol
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Dear Carol Schlitt.....THANK YOU so very much for your very quick reply. I had a large 3 lb. frozen food lasagna that I prepared last night for supper & although both me & my husband ate it...he ate 3 pieces, I only ate 1 small one....he got diarrhea and felt nauseous around midnight. I felt nothing. Of course we realize that he could have simply had some type of infection not related to what he ate or even that his lunch that day could have been a factor (12" meatball sandwich at the Subway place). At any rate, I am going to toss all the frozen entrees & hamburger that you mentioned as being potentially dangerous. Again, thank you so very much. Kate | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Carol Schlitt
Expertise
I can answer questions on home food safety, sanitation, home food preservation and commercial food safety (HACCP).
Experience
I am a former Extension educator, nutrition, wellness and food safety, having retired August 1, 2010. I am a certified HACCP manager, a food safety instructor for the Illinois Department of Public Health and a 3rd party food safety and OSHA auditor of restaurants.
Organizations
International Association for Food Protection, American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (Certified CFCS), National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, St. Louis Culinary Society.
Education/Credentials
BS - University of Illinois
MS - Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville
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