How to thaw frozen food safely in Australia

Why thawing in the fridge is safer than on the kitchen bench, and when a microwave is appropriate.

Australia · FSANZ · NSW Food Authority

FSANZ advises against defrosting perishable foods at room temperature. The outside of a frozen item can enter the danger zone between 5°C and 60°C before the centre has thawed. A refrigerator keeps the food cold through the process, while a microwave can be used when the food will be cooked promptly afterwards.

Plan ahead for the fridge

Place raw meat, poultry or fish in a tray or covered container on a low shelf. Allow enough time for the centre to thaw without dripping on cooked food or salads.

Use the microwave according to instructions

Some products can be safely defrosted in a microwave before immediate cooking. Follow the appliance and product directions; unevenly warm portions can develop during defrosting.

Cooking from frozen may be possible

Certain commercially frozen foods can be cooked directly from their frozen state when the manufacturer explicitly instructs that method. Do not assume the same approach suits a whole chicken or a thick roast.

What to do, step by step

Check whether the package calls for thawing or allows cooking straight from frozen.
For raw perishable foods, favour a refrigerator operating at 5°C or colder.
Contain thawing liquids and keep them separate from food that will not be cooked.
Use microwave defrosting only when appropriate and cook promptly afterwards.
Discard items with unknown or prolonged warm temperature exposure instead of trying to rescue them by refreezing.

Why are raw juices significant?

Juices from uncooked poultry or meat can move harmful microorganisms onto utensils, vegetables or cooked meals. A leak-proof tray, cleaning and adequate cooking each solve a different part of the problem.

Australian official sources

Guidance for Australia from FSANZ and NSW Food Authority. Read the original conditions, particularly for temperature and elapsed time:

Country scope: Australian consumer advice. The 2018 USDA FoodKeeper values have not been reused as Australian safety deadlines.