Can you put defrosted meat back in the freezer?

* Safety: When meat thaws, bacteria can start to grow, especially if it's been at room temperature for a while. Even if you refreeze it, these bacteria won't be killed, and the meat could become unsafe to eat.

* Quality: Refreezing meat can affect its texture and flavor. The ice crystals that form during freezing can damage the meat fibers, making it tougher and drier.

What to do with defrosted meat:

* Cook it immediately: This is the safest option. Cook the meat thoroughly to kill any bacteria.

* Use it within a day or two: If you don't plan to cook it immediately, store the defrosted meat in the refrigerator and use it within a day or two.

* Don't refreeze it: Unless you're absolutely certain it was thawed safely and hasn't been at room temperature for too long, don't refreeze it.

Exceptions:

* Meat that's been frozen for a short time: If you've only thawed the meat for a very short time (like a few hours) and it's still very cold, it may be safe to refreeze. However, it's always best to cook it as soon as possible.

* Ground meat: Ground meat is more prone to bacterial growth, so it's even more important to cook it immediately after thawing. Don't refreeze ground meat.

Remember: When in doubt, it's always better to err on the side of caution and not refreeze defrosted meat.