Why is can't you refreeze meat that has been defrosted?

Question

I defrosted meat and decided to go out to eat instead of cooking. When I went to put the meat back in the freezer me friends told me that I'm not supposed to do that. Why?

Answer 1

I THINK IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE TEMPERATURE OF THE MEAT, WHEN SITTING IT OUT IT HAD DEFROSTED ALREADY AND COULD HAVE INCREASED BACTERIA LEVEL , SO THAT MEANS IT SHOULD BE COOKED IMMEDIATELY AND NOT REFROZEN.

Answer 2

Is It Safe to Refreeze Raw Meat and Poultry that Has Thawed?
The U. S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) advises, "Meat and poultry defrosted in the refrigerator may be refrozen before or after cooking. If thawed by other methods, cook before refreezing."
(DO NOT thaw meat at room temperature, such as on the kitchen counter.)

Meat/poultry that is refrozen might suffer some quality loss as moisture may be lost during thawing.

Safety will depend on whether the raw product was handled properly before it was frozen, refrozen shortly after it was thawed, cooked to a safe temperature when it is eaten and handled safely if there are any leftovers."

Answer 3

1. It is not dangerous to thaw and refreeze meat or poultry; the bacteria is actually reduced. However, the meat turns mushy and much of the flavor is lost.

2. Always store raw meat alone on the bottom shelf of the fridge so that juices cannot drip onto other food. Never place other food in direct contact with raw meat, poultry, fish or unwashed vegetables. Pack your raw meat, poultry and fish separately at the supermarket.

Answer 4

When you defrost, you give a chance for bacteria to grow. Then you need to cook it. If you put it back in the freezer, you are just putting a bacteria colony into your freezer.

Answer 5

You can refreeze it. It's not harmful or anything. It's just that sometimes it changes the texture of the meat and some folks find that undesirable.

Answer 6

cause the germs from the blood in the meat will make you sick if you refreeze it

Answer 7

You know, that is a really good question. And one I should probably find the answer out to, as I am going to school to become a chef. Hmmm....

Answer 8

I have heard that also, I really don't know the reason, but you could have kept it in the fridge for the next day.

Answer 9

it grows bacteria on it