ümberjäätmise

Umberjaetmise is an Estonian term that translates to "re-freezing" or "thawing and refreezing." It refers to the process where a frozen substance, typically food, is allowed to thaw, at least partially, and then is refrozen. This can occur accidentally or intentionally under various circumstances.

The primary concern with umberjaetmise, especially regarding food, is the potential for bacterial growth. When food thaws, its temperature rises, allowing bacteria that may be present to multiply. If the food is then refrozen, these bacteria are not necessarily killed. Consuming food that has undergone umberjaetmise can therefore pose a health risk if it has been at temperatures above safe levels for an extended period.

Factors contributing to umberjaetmise include power outages that cause freezers to warm up, improper storage, or simply taking food out of the freezer for a period and then returning it without it having fully thawed. While some foods may be safe to refreeze if they are still cold to the touch and have not been thawed for long, it is generally recommended to avoid refreezing food that has thawed significantly to minimize the risk of foodborne illness. The quality of the food can also be negatively affected by umberjaetmise, leading to changes in texture and flavor.