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Defrosting Frozen Food
1. Take the frozen food out from the unit and uncover the frozen food. Let it defrost at room temperature.
Don’t forget that defrosting in a warm area encourages the growth of bacteria and low temperature
cooking may not destroy dangerous bacteria.
2. Drain off and throw away any liquid lost during defrosting.
3. Always make sure there are no ice-crystals in the food before cooking, particularly with meat. These
crystals indicate that the food has not fully defrosted.
4. Cook food as soon as possible after defrosting.
5. Many microwaves and ovens have a defrost setting. To avoid bacterial build up, only use these if you
intend to cook the food immediately afterwards.
Never refreeze anything that has been defrosted out unless you cook it again, to kill off harmful
bacteria. Never re-freeze defrosted shellfish. Re-seal packs properly after removing items. This
prevents drying or freezer-burn and a frost build up on any remaining food.
