Summer Coolers, Hidden Dangers: When Freezing isn’t Enough!

Summer heat sends us running to freezers and ice chests. Whether it’s ice cubes in lemonade, frozen berries for smoothies, or ice cream at a cookout, cold foods feel like the safest bet when the temperature soars. After all, freezing is supposed to preserve food and keep it fresh.

But here’s the surprising truth: freezing doesn’t kill all pathogens. Many bacteria and viruses can survive frozen storage, ready to cause illness once the food is thawed or consumed. Outbreaks tied to frozen products — from berries to ice cream — remind us that “cold” does not always mean “safe.”

Why Freezing Doesn’t Guarantee Safety

Freezing slows bacterial growth but doesn’t destroy every pathogen. Some microbes can persist for months in cold envi

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