If the freezer is too full, move some of the colder packages to the refrigerator, and return them to the freezer gradually. Use refrozen food as soon as possible. Partial thawing and refreezing does reduce the quality of foods, particularly fruits, vegetables and prepared foods. Red meats are affected less than many other foods by partial thawing and refreezing. Thawed fruits can be refrozen if they still taste and smell good.
Fruits usually ferment when they start to spoil.
Care should be taken in determining whether or not thawed meat and poultry should be refrozen. Meats and poultry become unsafe to eat when they start to spoil. Therefore, each package of food should be examined before determining whether or not it should be refrozen. If the color or odor of the thawed food is poor or questionable, dispose of it, as it may be dangerous to eat. Do not use melted ice cream.