3 Essential Tips You Need to Safely Defrost Food for Babies and Kids

Essential Tips for Safely Defrosting Food: 

As parents, ensuring the safety of the food we serve to our young children is paramount. Common misconceptions about defrosting can inadvertently lead to practices that increase the risk of foodborne illnesses. But how can we safely defrost food?

We don’t need any more preventable sicknesses in our lives! Let’s explore the correct methods to safely defrost food (all backed by evidence-based guidelines)

How to Safely Defrost Food 

1. Never Defrost Food at Room Temperature

It’s a common belief that leaving food out on the counter to thaw is harmless. However, defrosting food at room temperature creates an ideal environment for harmful bacteria to multiply rapidly. The “danger zone” for bacterial growth is between 40°F and 140°F (4°C–60°C), and leaving perishable foods within this temperature range can significantly increase the risk of foodborne illness.

Correct Approach: Plan ahead and thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator, where the temperature remains below 40°F (4°C). This method ensures that the food remains at a safe temperature throughout the defrosting process. For every 4 to 5 pounds of food, allow approximately 24 hours of thawing time in the refrigerator. (1,2)

2. Use the Cold Water Method for Faster Thawing

If you need to defrost food more quickly, the cold water method is a safe alternative. Ensure the food is in a leak-proof plastic bag to prevent contamination. Submerge the bag in cold tap water, changing the water every 30 minutes to maintain a safe temperature. This method allows for faster thawing without exposing the food to the “danger zone.”

When using the cold water method to thaw food, it’s essential to follow specific guidelines to ensure safety:

• Time Limit: The food must be cooked immediately after thawing. The cold water method is not a long-term solution; it’s designed for quicker defrosting when you don’t have time to use the refrigerator method. Typically, food thawed this way should not be left in cold water for more than 2 hours. If the food takes longer than this to thaw, it’s safer to switch to the refrigerator method.
• Water Maintenance: To keep the food at a safe temperature, replace the cold water every 30 minutes. This helps maintain the water temperature below 70°F (21°C), preventing the food from entering the “danger zone” (40°F–140°F or 4°C–60°C), where bacteria can multiply rapidly.
• Packaging: Ensure the food is in a leak-proof plastic bag. This prevents water from directly contacting the food, which could lead to contamination.

The cold water method is ideal for small cuts of meat, *fish, or poultry that need to be thawed relatively quickly. Larger items, like a whole turkey, are better suited for refrigerator thawing due to their size and the time needed to defrost safely. (1,2)

*A Special Note About Frozen Fish: Avoid Defrosting in Vacuum-Sealed Bags

If you often defrost frozen fish, it’s crucial to know that vacuum-sealed packaging can pose a unique food safety risk. Fish stored in vacuum-sealed bags may create an environment conducive to the growth of Clostridium botulinum, a bacteria that thrives in low-oxygen conditions and can cause botulism, a rare but serious illness. (3)

When vacuum-sealed fish is defrosted in the sealed packaging, the bacteria can multiply if the temperature enters the “danger zone” (40°F–140°F or 4°C–60°C). This risk is particularly high if the fish is thawed at room temperature or using warm water. (1-4)

Safe Practices for Defrosting Vacuum-Sealed Fish

1. Remove the Packaging Before Defrosting
   Always take the fish out of the vacuum-sealed bag before thawing. This reduces the risk of bacteria multiplying and allows oxygen to reach the food.
2. Use Safe Thawing Methods
   
   • Refrigerator Method: Place the fish on a plate or in a covered container in the refrigerator to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Be careful to keep away from other produce.
3. Cook Directly from Frozen
   In some cases, cooking fish directly from frozen is a safe and convenient option, especially for items like fillets or shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the fish is cooked through.

Why Oxygen Matters

Oxygen inhibits the growth of Clostridium botulinum, making it safer to thaw fish outside of its vacuum-sealed bag. (3)

By following these precautions, you can safely enjoy the convenience of frozen fish without compromising food safety. 

3. Avoid Refreezing Thawed Food Without Cooking

Refreezing food that has been thawed without cooking can lead to quality degradation and increases the risk of bacterial growth. Once food is thawed, bacteria can begin to multiply, and refreezing without cooking doesn’t eliminate these pathogens.

Best Practice: If you’ve thawed food, it’s advisable to cook it before considering refreezing. Once cooked, the food can be safely frozen again for future use.

Final thoughts from a Pediatric Dietitian Mom

Feeding your little one is a big responsibility, and understanding food safety is a critical part of that journey. The good news? These small adjustments in how you defrost food can make a huge difference in keeping your child safe. If you’ve been doing things differently, don’t worry—now you have the tools to make a positive change.

For more expert tips on feeding babies and young children, including safe food handling practices and over 650 family-friendly recipes, explore BLW Meals App. It’s designed to empower parents like you with practical, evidence-based solutions.

How do you defrost food? Share your experience in the comments below—we’re here to learn together!

References:

1.FoodSafety.gov. (2013). 4 Steps to Food Safety. Retrieved from https://www.foodsafety.gov/keep-food-safe/4-steps-to-food-safety

2.FoodSafety.gov. (n.d.). Turkey Thawing Time. Retrieved from https://www.foodsafety.gov/print/pdf/node/13?id=turkey-thawing

3.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Botulism: General Information. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov

4.U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022). Food Safety for Frozen and Refrigerated Seafood. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov

Michigan State University Extension. (2024). Open your vacuum-packed fish before thawing. Retrieved January 24, 2025, from https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/open_your_vacuum_packed_fish_before_thawing