How to defrost food safely

Use the fridge

Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland guidance recommends defrosting food in the fridge so it does not get too warm. Follow any defrosting instructions on the packet.

Check it is fully defrosted

Partly frozen food may not cook evenly. Make sure the middle and densest part is thawed before cooking, unless the manufacturer says it can be cooked from frozen.

Microwave option differs by nation

For England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the current Food Standards Agency chilling guidance supports using a microwave defrost setting directly before cooking when fridge defrosting is not possible.

For Scotland, this checker has not directly verified equivalent current Food Standards Scotland consumer guidance for microwave defrosting. Follow current FSS and packet guidance; the checker cannot confirm that route for Scotland.

Use the checker for your situation

This page gives general UK guidance. Check your food for the situations Safe to Eat? currently covers.

Sources and scope

Last checked: 6 September 2026.

This resource is based on UK food-safety guidance and does not replace the checker’s personalised questions. Read how the checker works and see the official sources.