I just noticed my freezer has been off overnight. How bad would it REALLY be to refreeze the food?

[raggedtrouseredphilanthropist]

I unplugged it by accident (didnt realise that plug was the freezer, thought it was the washing machine!), and just noticed it has been off since about 6pm last night.
I have taken a couple of bits of meat out that I can use in the next couple of days, but I wont get through all of it. So I have some pies, some burgers, some mince and some sausages that havent TOTALLY defrosted (though they are no longer properly frozen) and are still chilled.
Just how bad would it really be to just refreeze it? Would it make me really ill?

sounds like a cook fest is on.. if you cook it up you can refreeze.. I would go careful on refreezing not cooked.. if things have defrosted!

I have in the past when food wasnt fully defrosted but wouldnt recommend it!

Write Freezer on the plug in marker pen now!

Agree with BCNS...lasagne and sausage casserole then refreeze

I have to start by saying I really wouldn't advise it, though I did once refreeze an unopened pack of frozen mince that I'd bought & forgotten to put away - it was semi-soft & the bag was sealed. I only used it for adults though not young children.

Can you use the mince to make bolognese sauce or something & then freeze that?
You could also cook the saus & freeze them & then thaw them to use cold for packed lunches.

I think as long as the food still has ice crystals in it, you can refreeze.

Not sure I would want to take the chance myself. Agree with onedietcoke, write freezer on the plug so it doesn't happen again.

Please, please don't refreeze meat without cooking it first. A friend of mine did this and got very, very sick and needed to be hospitalised.

am also taking my own advice and getting my marker pen out!

Do not refreeze uncooked foods. Cook everything and then freeze...you have a busy day on! good luck!

thanks for your advice everyone. unfortunately, I had turned the freezer back on and gone out - I was out all day, so I guess I will have to chuck it all out

Bad luck. Can you claim on your contents insurance? make a list and take photo's.