How do you safely defrost meat?

1. Place the frozen meat on a plate or in a bowl in the refrigerator.

2. Make sure the meat is completely covered so it does not drip on other foods.

3. Allow it to thaw slowly, which may take several hours or overnight depending on the size of the meat.

In cold water:

1. Place the frozen meat in a watertight bag, making sure all of the air is squeezed out.

2. Submerge the bag in cold water and let it sit until thawed, which may take several hours depending on the size of the meat. Make sure to change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold.

Defrost in the microwave:

1. Check the “Defrost” or “Power Defrost” setting on the microwave.

2. Place the frozen meat on a microwave-safe plate and set the microwave to defrost for the recommended amount of time.

3. Cook the meat immediately following defrosting.

Safety Tips:

- Never thaw frozen meat at room temperature. This can allow bacteria to grow and multiply.

- When thawing frozen meat in the microwave, do not microwave the meat in its packaging. The packaging could melt and release harmful chemicals.

- Cook defrosted meat immediately. Once meat has been defrosted, it is best to cook it immediately. Do not refreeze defrosted meat.