Which thawing method requires immediate cooking after thawing?

• A. In the refrigerator.
• B. Under cold running water.
• C. In a microwave.
• D. On the counter.

Answer: (C)

Microwave thawing requires immediate cooking after thawing. This method can heat food unevenly, leaving some parts warm and in the danger zone while others stay frozen. Because of that uneven thawing, cooking right away ensures any bacteria that may have started to grow are killed before they have a chance to multiply.

By comparison, thawing in the refrigerator is safe for storing thawed items for a short period before cooking, thawing under cold running water is fast but still needs immediate cooking for the same reason of potential uneven warming, and thawing on the counter is unsafe because it keeps food in the danger zone too long.