Yes, defrosted foods can be frozen again

Our parents always told us you should never, ever, refreeze foods that have been defrosted.

But in reality, that's not really the case.

In the New York Times, Tina Hanes, dietitian at the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, explained this:

“The idea that you cannot refreeze defrosted foods 'is a myth. Any raw or cooked food that has been defrosted can be refrozen if it has been thawed correctly, that is to say, in the refrigerator and not on the counter, and if it has not spoiled.

This includes raw meat, poultry, fish, and seafood, she mentioned.

The expert added that you should never defrost these foods by placing them on the counter at room temperature or under hot tap water. This is because bacteria multiply rapidly at room temperature.

She further explains that you should not refreeze raw meat or fish if they have been defrosted in the microwave or under cold running water.

If you want to defrost frozen foods in cold water, you should keep them in their plastic packaging and change the water every 30 minutes until they are defrosted. Then, you must cook them immediately and not return them to the refrigerator or refreeze them.

Do not leave raw defrosted meat in the refrigerator too long before refreezing, as it may spoil.

Note:

Spoiled food often smells bad and may be sticky or slimy.

Chicken, among others, should be consumed or refrozen within two days of defrosting in the refrigerator (which takes about a day).

Fish, shrimp, and shellfish should also be consumed (or refrozen) after one to two days.

“You can refreeze any food if it has been handled correctly,” summarizes Tina Hanes.

She also mentions that it is safe to defrost and refreeze fruits, vegetables, bread, cakes, processed frozen foods, and other foods. However, this process may affect their texture, taste, or color.