freezing after defrosting- why not?

[bubbles4920]

why is it that it says on frozen foodstuff packets, 'once thawed, do not refreeze'?

[Kim A]

Mostly due to changes in texture, taste and appearance caused by loss of moisture. There's also the food safety aspect. You can refreeze previously frozen food like meat, but only if you've cooked it. So, for example, you defrost some stewing beef, make a casserole with half of it, then freeze it. You shouldn''t refreeze the unused half.

[ugly_bob]

try eating ice-cream that's defrosted then refrozen. It won't harm you, but it tastes like cr@p.

[Kim A]

Oooh! Yuk! Why would you even try that?

[tictactoe]

Yes, I agree u_b

Had to throw a 2ltr carton away once, hadn't got home quick enough from shopping, stuck it in the freezer - but didn't find out until required the following day!!