California eFoodHandlers Practice Exam

Which of the following is a safe way to thaw frozen food?

1. In warm water

2. In the refrigerator overnight

3. On the kitchen counter

4. In hot water

The correct answer is: In the refrigerator overnight

Thawing frozen food in the refrigerator overnight is the safest method because it maintains a consistent, cold temperature, which prevents the growth of harmful bacteria. When food is kept at or below 40°F, bacteria do not multiply quickly, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses. Additionally, this method allows for more even thawing and helps retain the food's quality. Using warm or hot water can raise the temperature of the food to a danger zone where bacteria can thrive. Thawing on the kitchen counter similarly exposes food to room temperature for too long, which is not safe as bacteria can multiply rapidly. Therefore, the refrigerator method is the safest and most reliable choice for thawing frozen food.