Four Ways to Thaw Food Safely
REFRIGERATOR |
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MICROWAVE |
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![](https://kernpublichealth.com/wp-content/uploads/Refrigerator_Photo.png) |
- In a Cooler or Refrigerator
- Allows slow, safe thawing
- Make sure thawing meat and poultry juices not drip onto other food
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![](https://kernpublichealth.com/wp-content/uploads/Microwave_Photo.png) |
- By Microwaving-as the First Step in a Continuous Cooking Process
- Cook meat and poultry immediately after microwave thawing
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COOL WATER RUNNING |
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CONVENTIONAL COOKING |
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![](https://kernpublichealth.com/wp-content/uploads/Faucet_Photo.png) |
- Put food in preparation sink under cool running tap water
- In cold (70 degree F) running water for 2 Hours or Less
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![](https://kernpublichealth.com/wp-content/uploads/Conventional-Cooking_Photo.png) |
- Foods cooked directly from frozen state (soup, frozen precooked)
- During the Cooking Process, Continuous Cooking with NO Interruption
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NEVER THAW FOODS AT ROOM TEMPERATURE
Thawed portions on the outside will support bacterial growth and can result in an unsafe product!
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Kern County Environmental Health Division, 2700 M Street, Suite 300, Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-862-8740