‘What’s the safest way to defrost chicken?’ We’re answering your food safety questions

A reader from British Columbia asks in a callout question: I thawed a chicken, then plans changed. Is it really a problem to refreeze it?

Rachel Sherman: The answer to this question goes back to the temperature “danger zone.” If you have taken your chicken from the freezer and defrosted overnight in the refrigerator, it is probably safe to refreeze it. However if there is a chance the chicken temperature has risen into the “danger zone” during your thawing process, I would not risk it. The USDA has guidelines on their website if you want to read more.

Food safety concerns us all.

It used to mean properly washing lettuce and cooking chicken to 165F.

But between nonstop food recalls and warnings of Pfas “forever chemicals” in everything from pans to takeaways boxes, these days it can seem like it’s as much about what you keep out of your kitchen as how you cook. The quality of what you buy matters.

That’s what the Filter US is here for. We’re your guide to buying fewer, better and more sustainable things. Our reviews are independent and trustworthy, and our buying advice is informed by years of rigorous testing and expert knowledge.

Join us live in conversation with guest expert Rachel Sherman, associate director of the Drexel Food Lab, and Caroline L Schauer, department head and professor of materials science and engineering at Drexel University.

Drexel has reported on the best cheese storage containers and found instant coffee that’s so good it beat drip in a blind taste test. Through rigorous tests, they determined the Cosori to be the best, most consistent air fryer (and it’s Pfas-free!), while Our Place and Lodge came out on top in testing to find the best nonstick pan.

No question is too big or too small (as long as it’s about what happens in your kitchen). Sign up or sign in to ask.

Join us on 26 October at 12pm ET (4pm GMT).