Is it safe to freeze, thawed in refrigerator, than refreeze uncooked meats?
Answer Hi Rose, Yes, it is safe to do if you follow the proper holding temperatures and recommended length of time in each phase of the process. For example, a 4 lb beef roast can be defrosted in the refrigerator and held up to 4 days at 41 degrees or below before it would either have to be cooked and consumed or refrozen. Freezing cooked foods from defrosted foods is also safe if you refreeze within 3-4 days of preparation and have held the food in a refrigerator at 41 degrees or below food internal temperature. Remember that foods that go through the freeze/thaw/free cycle do not get better with age, quality wise. Also, each time you go through the process you are increasing the chances for any bacteria to grow. So the key is following the guidelines exactly to ensure a safe, wholesome product.
