Slightly defrosted shrimp be refrozen and then cooked safe?

Here's why:

* Bacteria growth: When shrimp are defrosted, bacteria that may be present start to multiply. Refreezing doesn't kill these bacteria; it simply slows their growth.

* Quality deterioration: Refreezing shrimp can affect their texture and flavor. The shrimp may become mushy and lose their natural sweetness.

The safest way to handle defrosted shrimp is:

1. Cook immediately: Once shrimp are defrosted, cook them as soon as possible.

2. Don't refreeze: If you're not going to cook the shrimp right away, keep them refrigerated and use them within a day or two.

To defrost shrimp safely:

* Refrigerator: This is the safest and slowest method. It takes about 12-24 hours to defrost shrimp in the refrigerator.

* Cold water: Submerge the frozen shrimp in a bowl of cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes to ensure it stays cold. This method takes about 30-60 minutes.

* Microwave: Some microwaves have a defrost setting. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. This method is the quickest, but it can also cook the shrimp unevenly.

Remember, food safety is crucial. It's always better to err on the side of caution and not refreeze thawed shrimp.