Does Freezing Kill Bacteria?

No, freezing meat and other items does not eliminate bacteria like E. coli or salmonella. In fact, freezing preserves bacteria in food that is already contaminated. This is a lesson that the food industry was reminded of in 2013 when an E. coli outbreak in frozen chicken quesadillas and other snacks sickened 24 people in 15 states. Health experts attributed the crisis to mistakes in food production and consumer errors in cooking, as people often ask “Does freezing meat kill bacteria?” and then guess that since freezing preserves foods, it must protect them as well.

So, What Temperature Kills Bacteria?

Food needs to reach 165ºF (73.88ºC) for bacteria to be eliminated, a standard that can only be properly monitored with consistent use of thermometers in kitchens. This temperature standard applies both to meat and produce, which can both harbor harmful pathogens before, during and after freezing.