Here are 4 major mistakes when defrosting food, which you need to be aware of to avoid serious health issues:

1. Defrosting food at room temperature

• Reason: When food is defrosted at room temperature (around 20-25°C), bacteria can multiply rapidly. This is especially dangerous for perishable foods like meat, seafood, and poultry. Bacteria can thrive during this time, leading to food poisoning.

• Recommendation: Defrost food in the refrigerator or use cold water to ensure the temperature stays below 5°C, preventing bacteria from growing.

2. Defrosting and reheating food multiple times

• Reason: Defrosting and reheating food multiple times reduces food quality and increases the risk of bacteria growth. When food is reheated and defrosted multiple times, the fluctuating temperature creates conditions for bacteria to develop.

• Recommendation: Only defrost food once, and avoid reheating it multiple times. If not used up, ensure the food is stored at a safe temperature and consumed within a short time.

3. Defrosting in hot water

• Reason: Defrosting food in hot water is a common mistake because the high temperature can accelerate bacterial growth in the food, especially with meat and fish. This can cause the food to defrost unevenly, ruining its original quality.

• Recommendation: Use cold water to defrost or defrost food in the refrigerator to ensure food safety.

4. Defrosting food directly in the microwave without checking

• Reason: Defrosting food in the microwave without checking can cause uneven defrosting. Some parts of the food may get cooked while others remain frozen, leading to bacterial growth in areas that haven’t been properly heated.

• Recommendation: If using the microwave to defrost, check and stir the food regularly to ensure it defrosts evenly. Also, cook it immediately after defrosting.

Conclusion:

Defrosting food is an essential step in protecting your health. Doing it the right way helps minimize the risk of bacterial contamination and ensures food retains its quality. Avoid these mistakes when defrosting to protect your health and your family.