The answer to this question depends on how the turkey was thawed and how long it has been sitting out.
Safe Refreezing:
- Thawed in the refrigerator: If the turkey was thawed in the refrigerator, you can safely refreeze it as long as it has been in the refrigerator for no more than 3 days.
- Thawed in cold water: If the turkey was thawed in cold water, you can safely refreeze it as long as it has been in the cold water for no more than 2 hours.
- Thawed at room temperature: If the turkey was thawed at room temperature, you should not refreeze it.
Unsafe Refreezing:
- Thawed for more than 3 days: If the turkey has been thawed in the refrigerator for more than 3 days, you should not refreeze it.
- Thawed in warm water: If the turkey was thawed in warm water, you should not refreeze it.
- Thawed at room temperature for more than 2 hours: If the turkey was thawed at room temperature for more than 2 hours, you should not refreeze it.
Additional Considerations:
- Partially thawed turkey: If the turkey has only been partially thawed, you can safely refreeze it as long as it has not been at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
- Cooked turkey: Cooked turkey can be safely refrozen as long as it has been handled properly and stored in the refrigerator for no more than 3 days.
- Quality: While refreezing a turkey is safe, it may affect the quality of the meat. The turkey may be slightly drier or tougher after being refrozen.
Tips for Refreezing Turkey:
- Wrap the turkey tightly in freezer-safe packaging. This will help to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the turkey with the date it was frozen. This will help you to keep track of how long it has been in the freezer.
- Thaw the turkey in the refrigerator. This is the safest way to thaw a turkey.
While refreezing a partially thawed turkey is generally safe, it is important to follow the guidelines above to ensure that the turkey is handled properly and remains safe to eat. If you are unsure whether or not a turkey can be refrozen, it is always best to err on the side of caution and discard it.
Additional Resources:
- USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/refreezing-food
- The Spruce Eats: https://www.thespruceeats.com/can-you-refreeze-turkey-1388412
- Quora: https://www.quora.com/Is-it-safe-to-refreeze-a-partially-thawed-turkey
What happens if you refreeze a thawed turkey?
FAQ
Can you refreeze a slightly thawed turkey?
What do I do if my turkey is partially thawed?
Can partially thawed meat be refrozen?
Can you freeze cooked turkey twice?
Can You refreeze a thawed Turkey?
Yes, you can refreeze a thawed turkey. This goes for a completely thawed turkey, a partially thawed turkey, and a whole turkey. However, you can only refreeze a cooked or raw turkey if you thaw it in the refrigerator [ 1 ]. If you use other methods, refreezing the bird’s not completely safe.
How long can a thawed Turkey stay in the fridge?
Yes, a thawed turkey can stay in the fridge for three days. However, if you know you won’t cook raw meat in three days, refreeze turkey immediately. Was this article helpful?
Can You Thaw a Turkey in cold water?
Using the sink or cooler to submerge the turkey in cold water is an effective method of thawing a turkey. While it is mostly safe, there is no guarantee the turkey stayed at a safe temperature during this thawing process therefore, this turkey must be cooked immediately after it is thawed or thrown away.
Can You refreeze cooked turkey a second time?
While there is no harm in refreezing cooked/uncooked turkey or other meat varieties one time, refreezing them a second time is not recommended. The reason for this is plain and simple; the continuous refreezing and thawing process significantly alters the meat’s taste, texture, and overall quality.