LifestyleFood & DrinkFoodThese high-protein staples are very popular, but if you aren't careful, they could end up causing an illness.12:06, 21 May 2026When it comes to planning your weekly meals, choosing a protein source and building your menu around it is a great starting point. Chicken, sausages and mince are some of the most popular choices, with countless ways to prepare them.‌If you spot a great deal at the supermarket, buying in bulk is often worth it. However, consumer experts have issued a warning for anyone who regularly picks up these items during their weekly shop and pops them straight in the freezer. Specialists at Which? have revealed that certain foods should never be cooked directly from frozen.‌The experts said: "Freezing food is a simple and convenient way to reduce waste, maintain nutritional value and save money. But not all food can be cooked straight from frozen.‌"From poultry to dairy, it can be confusing to know when you should - and shouldn't - skip the defrosting process."Chicken is one of these examples. According to the FSA, cooking raw chicken from frozen can result in uneven cooking and bacterial growth, including salmonella and campylobacter.‌However, this doesn't apply to products such as chicken nuggets or burgers, as these are typically designed to be cooked from frozen — though it's always worth checking the packaging to be certain.The same rule applies to sausages. If you purchase a large pack of the refrigerated kind and want to ensure none go to waste, divide them into portions before putting them in the freezer.They must be fully defrosted before cooking to prevent uneven results and food safety hazards, so ensure the centres are completely thawed before you begin preparing them.‌And if you're a fan of mince, this is another kitchen essential that should always be thoroughly defrosted before preparation. Failing to do so means certain areas can remain undercooked, heightening your risk of food poisoning.How to defrost meat safelyThe FSA and NHS advise defrosting chicken in the fridge at 5C or below. This can require 24 hours or more, but if you're pressed for time, you can use your microwave's defrost function.Ensure no ice crystals are left and that the chicken is piping hot - 75C throughout is key, if you're checking with a thermometer.Article continues belowYou can also defrost sausages in the microwave if you're intending to cook them immediately. If you want to consume them within two days, you can thaw them in the fridge.The same applies to mince, and when cooking either of these, ensure they're steaming hot right through.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌NHSSave moneyFood poisoningChickenSalmonellaFoodSupermarkets