Frozen food safety- misconceptions

[Deleted User]

I use Sainsbobs clingfilm the one in the green packet its a bit dearer but well worth it as it also doesn't wrinkle up and tear as easily as the cheaper ones do.I wrap things as tight as I can so there is no air anywhere around the meat I have never ever had freezer burn but my Dd had some on her meat once where the wrapping came loose I don't think it would hurt you but it just doesn't look appealing to the eye

spandles

I too use freezer bags, but only the cheapy ones. I always push out the air and seal the end with a knot or twisty tie. If I'm freezing a runny meal I use tubs that I can see into so I know whats in there.

I also label bits with masking tape as its cheaper than labels.

The other thing I like to do is open packs of meat, fish or sausages and freeze in portion sizes to make defrosting easier.

I have a 50/50 fridge freezer in the kitchen and an under-counter freezer in my garage. I would like a bigger freezer and am considering a chest freezer - any opinions on chest freezers would be appreciated.

mmmsnow

I tend to use ASDA small freezer bags for a portion (2 chicken breasts or enough veg for 2, etc) then place as many of the smaller bags as possible in one of Lidl's large freezer bags.

Squeezing all the air out of the bags before freezing (I find Ziplock bags are good for this, although expensive) reduces freezer burn, as well as saving space in the freezer.

frosty

I use a jml food sealer,I buy the bags online which works out cheaper.I have meat that is two years old that looks like its just gone in the freezer.I managed to buy a heap of meat on saturday at tesco for half price.This has all been vacuum sealed and will last a few years.It takes up less space in the freezer.

zippychick

as this has dropped down the board ive merged it with an interesting read on freezing food

Freezing containers should also help

I always repackage food when freezing- generally is't a space issue. I even go as far as cut the label out and stick it inside the bag so i can see what I'm doing.

Practice makes perfect and im sure you will be on top of it in no time

Zip

ska_lover

spandles wrote: »

I too use freezer bags, but only the cheapy ones. I always push out the air and seal the end with a knot or twisty tie. If I'm freezing a runny meal I use tubs that I can see into so I know whats in there.

I also label bits with masking tape as its cheaper than labels.

The other thing I like to do is open packs of meat, fish or sausages and freeze in portion sizes to make defrosting easier.

I have a 50/50 fridge freezer in the kitchen and an under-counter freezer in my garage. I would like a bigger freezer and am considering a chest freezer - any opinions on chest freezers would be appreciated.

I love my chest freezer. I got it for £40 off ebay and is one of my best ever purchases. It is only one of those slimline ones, but you can get much more stuff in there than you would think. I would definately go for it. It has meant I can cook and freeze more and with things like bread and rolls for packed lunches, when I see an offer I can stock up.

I always use freezer bags from Mr M's and tie them up securely. I often take the meat out of the original packaging, but only so I can split it into smaller freezable portions - never noticed any freezer burn on anything, I must have been lucky. I love the masking tape label idea, i might start using that!

TryingToBeOldStyle

Hi,

Can I have some advice please?

In the past Ive bought some yellow stickered fresh items and frozen them and forgotten about them!

Now is it safe to defrost them and eat them? Things like sausages, fresh cod, mince, pork steaks, lamb steaks, chicken all were fresh from the fridge section but now frozen.

The thing is they say freeze and use within a month but they have been in there maybe 6 to 8 months is it safe to eat them or should I throw them away and organise myself better next time!

zippychick

it will be fine - it will be safe enough to use. There is a chance it will have deteriorated slightly in quality but i wouldn't hesitate to use it myself

this thread discusses the very same thing. I will merge this later on

Love the user name

Zip

TryingToBeOldStyle

zippychick wrote: »

it will be fine - it will be safe enough to use. There is a chance it will have deteriorated slightly in quality but i wouldn't hesitate to use it myself

this thread discusses the very same thing. I will merge this later on

Love the user name

Zip

Big thank you for the reply, I know it must have sounded like a silly question

Its great to know we can still use it, that will help with money! Now all I need to do is learn some recipes so I can batch cook things

myusernamehasgone_2

I would have no problem using them either aslong as they have been kept frozen