Which statement about thawing under cold running water is true?

Which statement about thawing under cold running water is true?

• A. The food must be fully submerged
• B. The water must be hot
• C. The water must be boiled before use
• D. The water must be reused for multiple foods

Answer: (A)

Thawing under cold running water works by keeping the food in contact with cool water so the ice melts quickly without letting the surface warm into the unsafe temperature range. When the food is fully submerged and water flows over every surface, thawing is evened out and the outer layer stays cold, reducing the chance for bacteria to grow as the inside defrosts. Hot water or boiling water would raise the surface temperature and could start cooking the food or promote bacterial growth. Reusing water can contaminate the surface and doesn’t reliably keep everything cold enough to be safe.

Thawing under cold running water works by keeping the food in contact with cool water so the ice melts quickly without letting the surface warm into the unsafe temperature range. When the food is fully submerged and water flows over every surface, thawing is evened out and the outer layer stays cold, reducing the chance for bacteria to grow as the inside defrosts.

Hot water or boiling water would raise the surface temperature and could start cooking the food or promote bacterial growth. Reusing water can contaminate the surface and doesn’t reliably keep everything cold enough to be safe.