My work place gave us turkeys this week. They didn't keep them in a freezer and when I picked mine up, it was partially thawed. In fact it was quite a bit thawed. I put it in the freezer, am I going to make anyone sick if I thaw it again and cook it??
2006-11-18 20:48:38 · 13 answers · asked by Sophia 1 in Food & Drink ➔ Cooking & Recipes
It might be OK, but I've heard that the texture will be bad. I think your best bet is to thaw it all the way, then cook it. But, what's done is done -- I wouldn't serve it to the relatives on Thanksgiving, but maybe you can cook it up some other time and re-freeze the cooked bits.
Of course, if upon thawing, it smells spoiled in the least bit, throw it away! It was a free turkey, right? Which would you rather have: a free turkey and a trip to the emergency room, or no turkey?
Do complain to the people who gave out the turkeys. Nicely, if possible. Maybe they'll get you a new turkey.
2006-11-18 21:00:20 · answer #1 · answered by Madame M 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do not re-freeze the turkey. Those who said to "chuck" it are absolutely right! The number and kinds of bacteria that multiplies on the turkey once the thawing process starts would astound you. If it was "quite a bit" thawed as you say, then it is NOT safe to eat. It should have been kept frozen or they should have purchased fresh, unfrozen turkeys and then you could have frozen it. Please do not eat it yourself or serve it to others. The chance of making someone ill is pretty high. You have to be so very careful with poultry. I can't believe that your company was giving out partially thawed turkeys! That is very irresponsible of them. Next year, suggest gift certificates from a local grocery store.
Anyway, sorry to be the bearer of bad news because I know how expensive turkeys are, but I honestly do not want you or your guests to get sick. Food poisoning can be deadly.
2006-11-18 21:27:30 · answer #2 · answered by Goddess Kitty 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would have been o.k. if it was only starting to thaw and was still mostly frozen. However, it sounds like it was more thawed than frozen and should have been cooked right away. You would be taking a chance on food poisoning if you cook it after re-thawing it. Plus it won't taste so good. The texture would be changed because of the repeated thawing and freezing.
2006-11-19 02:25:59 · answer #3 · answered by Garfield 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry, but it is not ok to freeze a partially thawed out anything. You should have either left it out and thawed it all the way, cooked it and then frozen it, or should have tossed the turkey out.
2006-11-18 21:47:27 · answer #4 · answered by pouncermom 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i am no expert on this, but based on my experiences, as long as the turkey does not smell like going bad before freezing, you should not have any problem (but it will badly wear down the taste and the freshness).
what matters now, is how soon are you gonig to eat it after re-thawing from the freezer. Eat the turkey as soon as re-thawing.
ALWAYS SMELL IF THE TURKEY IS GOING BAD! IF IT DOES SMELL THAT WAY, THEN DO NOT EAT IT!
2006-11-18 20:52:26 · answer #5 · answered by davegesprek 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You shouldn't, but if you absolutely have to, it won't kill anyone. It's just that anything partially thawed has already collected germs. Putting it back in the freezer with all the germs already there....it's just not to pleasant to think about yeah?
2006-11-18 21:27:32 · answer #6 · answered by Chocolate Strawberries. 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would call a local butcher shop, or major store with a meat dept and ask them. They of all people should know.
My thought is as long it was still cold and partially frozen, it should be safe.
I can't believe that your company didn't rent a freezer trailer and keep them frozen for you.
2006-11-18 21:23:32 · answer #7 · answered by Lucianna 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it still had ice crystals on it, it is safe to refreeze, I would recommend thawing in the refrigerator.
2006-11-18 20:59:06 · answer #8 · answered by Marty B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES! once it has thawed there is no turning back, chuck out the bird.
2006-11-18 20:51:32 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stay away from Turkey - no one knows how to make it taste good and the stuffing is even worse.
2006-11-18 20:58:55 · answer #10 · answered by fatsausage 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋