Can you refreeze defrosted food?
The rules differ between countries. Here is what each authority says. Last checked: 1 October 2026.
United Kingdom
You can freeze food again once cooked, but you’ll only be able to reheat it once after that
United States
Food thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen without cooking, although there may be some loss of quality.
Foods thawed by the cold water method should be cooked before refreezing.
Foods thawed in the microwave should be cooked before refreezing.
After cooking raw foods which were previously frozen, it is safe to freeze the cooked foods.
Do not refreeze any foods left outside the refrigerator longer than 2 hours; 1 hour in temperatures above 90 °F.
If you purchase previously frozen meat, poultry or fish at a retail store, you can refreeze if it has been handled properly.