DEAR DR. GOTT: My wife is a registered nurse and insists that any frozen food be defrosted in the refrigerator. She says that defrosting food on the counter develops bacteria. I can understand that, but if you are going to cook the food, either on the stovetop or in the oven, wouldn’t that kill the bacteria if you defrosted it on the countertop?
DEAR READER: Bacteria multiply rapidly between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Foods should not be defrosted on a kitchen counter. Instead, use a microwave oven, cold running water or — the refrigerator! Your wife is correct.
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