About re-freezing partially defrosted food?

[shockthemonkey]

We had a power outage last night, and over the twelve hours it lasted, some of the contents of our freezer went a bit soft... then promptly re-froze when the power came back on.

What types of food can I get away with still using? I am thinking along the lines of spice mixes (frozen coriander, chilli, garlic and ginger preparation for marinading) -- surely I can use that?

Anything with meat in I will throw away... with the possible exception of my home-made chicken stock which was in such a huge block it barely began defrosting at all.

Is this dangerous?

[Spilose]

For 12 hours it should have been fine if you left it shut? Was is the food that was actually soft or soft cardboard?

[WorktoLive]

I wouldn't throw anything away, it's only partially defrosted, it doesn't sound like anything has got anywhere near room temperature.

I often let things defrost, and change my mind about using them so refreeze to use later. I know that you're not supposed to do it, but I've never had a problem doing this.

[msgrinch]

I'd use it all.

[chipsandpeas]

i would use it

[shockthemonkey]

Thanks everyone. To answer Spilose, yes I left the freezer shut and only some things got soft, for instance ice-cream, oven chips...

So I'll go ahead and use most things, I don't really want to throw everything out...

[poocatcherchampion]

We leave the freezer open overnight loads I just pretend it doesn't happen...

[BeautyQueenFromMars]

I would use it too, and just maybe overcook any meat slightly, just to be sure.