Why is re-freezing peas not advised? Is it ok if they are defrosted in the fridge and then back in the freezer (defrosted) 12hrs later? I had a freezer issue recently and didn't think I would have to throw out the peas!?

Yes it is advised that you don't refreeze peas, as once a frozen food is defrosted, it becomes in effect a chilled (or ambient) product, depending on how the consumer treats the product. The storage life for many chilled products is determined by their microbiological condition and the growth of bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Keeping a chilled product for too long or at too high a temperature will worsen the situation.

For the manufacturer it is impossible to know how a consumer will handle the product once it is defrosted and the "do not refreeze" instruction is provided to avoid any risk that some consumers may use inappropriate defrosting methods, eg defrosting at room temperature for too long a time, or letting the defrosted food get too warm before refreezing is started. Any resulting problems would only become evident when the product is finally consumed. Click here for more info on frozen vegetables or click here to see how vegetables are frozen quickly to capture goodness. Click here to see the nutritional benefits of eating frozen vegetables.

Hope this helps, thank you for your frozen food question. Click here to see where your frozen food comes from.

The New Ice Age Team