When it comes to freezing meat, there are a few different schools of thought. Some people believe that it is necessary to wash the meat before freezing it, while others believe that this step is unnecessary. So, what is the right answer?
The answer may surprise you – it depends on the type of meat you are freezing. For poultry, fish, and other seafood, it is generally recommended that you wash the meat before freezing it. This step helps to remove any bacteria that may be present on the surface of the meat.
However, for beef, pork, and lamb, you do not need to wash the meat before freezing it. These types of meat are less likely to harbor bacteria on their surface. As long as you cook the meat thoroughly before eating it, you will not need to worry about bacteria.
You may be wondering if it is sanitary or efficient to wash meat. This article discusses whether there’s anything to it, the advantages and disadvantages of washing meat, and recommended food safety recommendations. So read on to learn more.
Should You Wash Meat Before Freezing?
It is not necessary to wash meat before freezing it. However, it is important to keep meat clean and to avoid cross contamination. When thawing meat, it is best to wash it before cooking.
Freezing meat is a great way to keep it fresh for longer periods of time. However, if you do choose to wash your meat before freezing it, make sure to dry it completely before placing it in the freezer. Moisture can cause freezer burn, which will make your meat less fresh and flavorful when you thaw it.
How do I freeze meat without washing it?

You’re probably well aware that freezing meat is a great way to keep it fresh for longer. But did you know that you don’t need to wash your meat before freezing it? That’s right – you can actually freeze meat without washing it, and it’ll still be just as fresh as if you had washed it beforehand.
So, how do you do it? It’s actually quite simple. First, make sure that the meat is clean and free of any dirt or debris. Then, place the meat in a freezer bag or container, seal it tightly, and label it with the date. Make sure to squeeze all the air out of the bag or container before sealing it – this will help prevent freezer burn.
And that’s it! Your meat is now ready to be frozen without being washed. When you’re ready to cook it, simply thaw it out and cook it as you normally would. Easy, right? Washing meat before freezing it is actually not necessary, and can actually lead to the meat drying out and becoming less flavorful.
So next time you’re getting ready to freeze your meat, skip the wash and go straight to sealing it up!
The Dangers of Washing Your Meat
Washing your meat before cooking it may seem like a good idea, but it can actually be very dangerous. Water can cause meat to absorb bacteria and other contaminants from the surface of the meat. This can lead to food poisoning or other serious illnesses.
It’s important to note that only raw meat should be washed before cooking. Cooked meat does not need to be washed, as the cooking process will kill any bacteria present.
So, why is washing raw meat so dangerous? There are a few reasons:
- Water can cause meat to absorb bacteria and other contaminants from the surface of the meat.
- Washing meat can spread bacteria to other surfaces in your kitchen, including your hands, utensils, and cutting boards.
- Bacteria can multiply quickly in water, so even a small amount of contaminated water can make a lot of people sick.
- Washing meat can make it harder to cook evenly, which can lead to undercooked or even raw meat.
- Finally, washing your meat before cooking it can simply be unnecessary. If you’re using fresh, high-quality meat, it’s not likely to be contaminated. And, even if it is contaminated, cooking the meat properly will kill any bacteria present.
So, next time you’re tempted to wash your raw meat before cooking it, think twice. It’s probably not necessary, and it could be dangerous.
According to studies of National Library of sciences, acidic solutions like vinegar or lemon juice may aid in the reduction of bacteria in raw meat, but it’s unknown whether they can destroy foodborne viruses. The best way to kill harmful bacteria when cooking meat is to cook it to the proper internal temperature(At least 160°F (70°C).
The Proper Process of Washing Meat before freezing
When you purchase meat from the grocery store, it is typically not ready to be frozen. In order to ensure that your meat will be safe to eat after freezing, it is important to wash it first. The process of washing meat before freezing is actually quite simple and only requires a few steps.
- First, remove the meat from its packaging. If the meat is still wrapped in butcher paper, be sure to remove that as well.
- Next, rinse the meat under cold water. You want to be sure to remove any blood or other fluids that may be on the surface of the meat.
- Once the meat is rinsed, pat it dry with a paper towel.
- Now, you will need to sanitize your sink. You can do this by spraying it with a household cleaner or wiping it down with a bleach solution.
- Place the meat in the sink and give it a good scrub with a brush. Be sure to get into all of the nooks and crannies.
- Rinse the meat again with cold water.
- Pat the meat dry one last time and then transfer it to a plate or cutting board.
- Your meat is now ready to be frozen!

Final Verdict
There are a few myths floating around that suggest it’s necessary to wash meat before freezing to destroy harmful germs. This isn’t correct since the USDA (U. S. Dept. of Agriculture) has certified that raw meat can be frozen without being washed.
Not only does freezing meats help preserve them, but it also locks in their freshness and flavor. These are the steps to follow when thawing frozen meat: take it out of the freezer and place it in the fridge, cut it into smaller pieces, use freezer paper or aluminum foil as storage, and always wash your hands after touching uncooked meats. This is all you need to do to keep your family safe and healthy.
I hope this article helped you. If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to comment below. Thanks for reading!
FAQS
Should I freeze meat before vacuum sealing?
Room temperature is the welcoming home of many bacteria species that can potentially contaminate both your food and body. Vacuum sealing your meats after freezing them will allow you to store them in the freezer for a longer time. This will help prevent freezer burn and keep your meat fresh for longer.
Can you refreeze meat?
When food is thawed in the refrigerator, it may be safely refrozen without being cooked, although there may be a deterioration in quality owing to the moisture lost during thawing.
Does meat go bad in the freezer?
Frozen meat that has been kept at or below 0°F for an extended time is always safe to consume. The low temperature eliminates the risk of microorganism growth, like bacteria and mold. However, food won’t taste good forever stored this way.

Mark is the founder and head writer of Meat Savory. He’s a passionate meat lover who has been cooking and writing about meat for over 10 years. He is also a meat safety specialist and has been testing and inspecting meat products for over 5 years. Learn More!