What is the recommended method for defrosting food?

The recommended method for defrosting food is to do so in the refrigerator, under cold running water, or in the microwave. This approach ensures that food stays at a safe temperature during the thawing process, minimizing the risk of harmful bacteria growth that can occur when food is left at room temperature.

When using the refrigerator, the food remains at a consistent, cool temperature, making it the safest option for longer thawing periods. Defrosting under cold running water allows for quicker thawing while still preventing the outer layer of the food from reaching temperatures that could encourage bacterial growth. The microwave can be a convenient choice as well, especially for quick meals, but one must ensure that the food is cooked immediately after thawing in the microwave to prevent any unsafe temperature conditions.

Using hot water or leaving food out on the counter are methods fraught with risks. Thawing at room temperature, for example, lets the exterior of the food enter the danger zone (40°F to 140°F) where bacteria can multiply rapidly. Hot water can also create inconsistent thawing, where the outer parts of the food may start to cook while the inside remains frozen, leading to food safety hazards.