What is one method for defrosting frozen foods safely?

Refrigerating frozen foods is a safe method for defrosting because it maintains a controlled temperature that prevents the growth of harmful bacteria. When food is thawed in the refrigerator, it remains at a safe temperature (typically below 40°F or 4°C), which prevents the surface from reaching temperatures that could encourage bacterial growth while the inside of the food is still thawing.

In contrast, leaving food out at room temperature can lead to unsafe conditions, as bacteria can multiply rapidly in the temperature danger zone (between 40°F and 140°F). Cooking frozen food directly is sometimes viable but not a method for thawing; it can lead to uneven cooking and may not ensure that the food reaches a safe internal temperature throughout. Storing food in the freezer does not apply to defrosting; rather, it is a method of preservation. Therefore, refrigerating is the most effective and safe method among the options provided for defrosting frozen foods.