Which method is a safe way to thaw food?

To safely thaw food, you can use one of the following methods:

1. Refrigerator Thawing: Place the food in the refrigerator. This method is the safest as it keeps the food at a safe, consistent temperature.

2. Cold Water Thawing: Submerge the food in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes to ensure it stays cold.

3. Microwave Thawing: Use the defrost setting on a microwave. This method is quick but should be followed by immediate cooking.

4. Cooking Without Thawing: Some foods can be cooked directly from frozen, which is safe but may require additional cooking time.

These methods help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria by keeping the food out of the "danger zone" (40°F to 140°F or 4°C to 60°C).