How should you thaw frozen food if there is no dedicated refrigerator?

• A. Under cold running water or as part of the cooking process if done promptly and safely
• B. On the counter at room temperature
• C. In the oven
• D. In the dishwasher

Answer: (A)

When you don’t have a refrigerator, thawing needs to happen in a way that keeps food out of the danger zone and minimizes time at unsafe temperatures. The safest option is thawing under cold running water, with the food kept in a leak-proof bag or wrapped, and the water changed regularly to stay cold. This speeds thawing without letting surface temperatures rise too high. If you can cook the item promptly after thawing, you can thaw as part of the cooking process as long as you do it safely and reach the proper internal temperature during cooking. Thawing on the counter, in the oven, or in a dishwasher allows temperatures to rise too quickly or unevenly and is not appropriate.