If freezing food kills bacteria, does it follow that frozen meat or defrosted meat is safe to eat?

Question

I don't intend in trying this, however, I would like to know about this! Thanks to everyone who answers!

Answer 1

Actually, freezing does not kill all bacteria....bacteria have varying growth temperature, that is, some of them may either favor growth at high temperature (thermophiles), at low temperature (psychrophiles) or body or room temperature (mesophiles. Their response to freezing conditions is based on their ability to adapt to its environment.

In the case of frozen or defrosted meat, I would say that it is not safe for human consumption since microorganisms that are not sensitive to freezing temperature may still be thriving on the food. Presence of these microorganisms on these food products make it unsafe for consumption.

Answer 2

No. Not all pathogenic bacteria are killed by extreme cold. Bacterial toxins that have been produced will still remain. However, worms that are found in fish will be killed (requires freezing at -20 degrees C at 60 hours). If you are defrosting meat on the counter, you are giving time for the bacteria to multiply and possibly produce toxins.

Answer 3

Freezing the meat stops bacteria from growing........cooking it at right temperature makes sure you eliminate all that bacteria.

*make sure when you´re defrosting meat, it is covered with plastic, in a "clean place" counter top in your kitchen will be fine(not outside in the garden where insects or other bacteria can be in contact with the meat).

And yes there is no 100% clean, or free bacteria meat, but if you cook it well you shouldnt be concerned.

Answer 4

Well, if the meat is defrosted or frozen, then it's not safe to eat b/c that would mean that you are eating raw meat which is not safe at all. I would cook the meat first then eat it. You can have the meat med. well, well done, or lightly done depending on how you like to eat it. But my pt. is that frozen and defrosted meat is unsafe to eat.

Answer 5

Freezing food DOES NOT kill bacteria, it slows down it's growth. Frozen meat only becomes safe when cooked, that's the only time the bacteria is dead.

Answer 6

when the temp of the meat is warm enough, bacteria can creat colonies again. This is why you are not suppose to leave meat (even frozen) in room temp, when you defrost it. you put it in the fridge

Answer 7

Actually, freezing food just stops bacteria from growing. The only way to properly kill all the bacteria is to use heat. So no, it would not be safe to eat raw, even after freezing.

Answer 8

as far as I'm concerned, no meat is safe to eat.