How can frozen food be thawed safely?
Thaw frozen food in advance in the refrigerator. Place the food on a drip tray and thaw on the lower shelf of the refrigerator. Some frozen food can be reheated without thawing, check the directions on the label. The microwave on the defrost cycle can also be used to thaw frozen food. If this is used cook the food immediately after defrosting as the food is partially warmed. Food should not be thawed at room temperature as this provides ideal conditions for the growth of food poisoning bacteria.
