Final answer:
Unsafe thawing can allow bacteria to grow in the food's outer layers while the interior remains frozen. Thawed foods should be handled as perishables and cooked promptly to ensure safety. The correct option is a) Bacteria
Step-by-step explanation:
Unsafe thawing can let bacteria grow in the outer layers of the food, while the inside stays frozen. When food is not thawed safely, that is, in the refrigerator, immersed in cold water that is changed every 30 minutes, or in the microwave, it can reach temperatures that are conducive to bacterial growth.
Improper thawing is especially risky because while the inner core of the food item remains frozen, the outer layers can warm up, allowing bacteria to proliferate.
It's important to handle thawed foods as fresh perishables and cook them promptly to ensure safety. The correct option is a) Bacteria