Which of the following is NOT an approved method for thawing food?

Thawing food safely is crucial for preventing foodborne illnesses, and various methods achieve this while maintaining food quality and safety. Thawing under refrigeration is a standard practice that allows food to thaw slowly and at a controlled temperature, minimizing the risk of bacterial growth. Thawing as part of the cooking process in an oven or microwave is also acceptable because the food is subjected to temperatures that will cook it thoroughly, ensuring any harmful bacteria are killed.

In contrast, thawing food completely submerged in hot water is not an approved method due to safety concerns. This approach can cause the outer layer of the food to warm to an unsafe temperature before the interior is thawed and reaches a temperature sufficient to kill pathogens. As a result, this method increases the risk of foodborne illness because bacteria can thrive in the 'danger zone' (between 40°F and 140°F), which is more likely to occur when using hot water for thawing.