Freezing preserves food for a long time as it stops the growth of microorganisms. Can you eat food from the freezer that has long expired? This question concerns many people. Dr. and nutritionist Danu Figuer answers this question on Instagram.
How Long Can You Store Food in the Freezer
"According to FDA data (U.S. Food and Drug Administration), you can store frozen food indefinitely. For an indeterminate amount of time," she said.
So, from a safety perspective, food stored at a stable temperature of -18°C or lower does not spoil, as the cold halts the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria and mold.
"However, there is a reason why you wouldn’t want to eat, for example, a century-old cheeseburger — it’s the loss of quality over time due to freezer burn," explains Dr. Figuer.
Freezer burn is a condition where frozen food dehydrates, leading to dry, discolored spots. Such food is not harmful, but its texture and flavor will be compromised.
How Long to Store Food for It to Taste Good?
To ensure that your food remains not only safe but also fresh and tasty, experts recommend adhering to the recommended storage times for various categories of food.
Freezer storage recommendations (to maintain quality):
-
Sausages, bacon, deli meats: 1-2 months.
-
Ground meat, fresh veal, pork, beef, lamb: 4-12 months.
-
Leftover cooked dishes: up to 6 months, depending on the composition.
"Freezing preserves food for a long time as it stops the growth of microorganisms. However, once you defrost the product, those microbes become active again. Therefore, it is still important to cook food thoroughly," notes the doctor.
