smoking previously frozen fish

[Peter]

I buy my salmon in filleted,deboned and frozen and I defrost it as required then cure it in dry salt and cold smoke it. My question is can I now refreeze it for later use. ( I have always done it this way and have had no problems but my buddy says I shouldn't refreeze it.) Who's right?

[sausagemaker]

Hi Peter

I see no problem at all in re-freezing after smoking as you have in effect proccesed the fish so every thing should be ok

Also please see the stament below from the "University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute"
The website can be found on the link below
http://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/greatlakes ... ezing.html

Refreezing Fish
Is it safe to refreeze fish that has been previously frozen and then thawed?

If the fish has been thawed and handled properly (in the refrigerator, not at room temperature), refreezing will not introduce any new food safety risks. (See the above section for proper thawing technique.) However, the process of thawing and refreezing can cause toughening, loss of flavor, and other food-quality problems.

Hope this helps

regards
sausagemaker