Transcript Food Safety for Seniors: Thawing Food Safely

Food Safety for Seniors:
Thawing Food Safely
___________ County
Cooperative Extension Service
2001
Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service
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Why worry about thawing?
• Bacteria grow quickly at warm
temperatures (40oF to 140oF)
– Some increase in number
– Some produce a toxin
• May cause illness if the food is
eaten
2001
Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service
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The Danger Zone
• 40oF to 140oF
• Less than two
hours
– Cumulative
– Thawing at room
temperature
goes way beyond
the safe time
2001
Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service
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Best way to thaw:
refrigerator
• Remember to take
food from freezer
in time
– Write self notes
• Also gives best
quality food
2001
Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service
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Thawing safely:
microwave oven
• Follow
manufacturer’s
directions
• Cook immediately
when thawed
• Drawback: may be
partially cooked
during thawing
2001
Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service
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Thawing safely:
cook from frozen state
• Shape, cut or trim
meat as it will be
cooked
• Cook the meat
without thawing
• Drawbacks:
– Takes longer to
cook
– Less juicy meat
2001
Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service
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Thawing safely:
under cold water
• Put meat in water
proof container
• Fill sink with cold
water
• Change water
every 30 minutes
• Remove food as
soon as thawed
2001
Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service
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Summary
• The refrigerator is the best way to
thaw frozen food.
• Microwave thawing is safe if
directions are followed
2001
Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service
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Summary
• Cold water changed every 30 minute
can be used
• Cook directly from the freezer
2001
Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service
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Stay healthy by thawing
food safely.
2001
Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service
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