Help with Use By date on Turkey (Fresh joint that was frozen)

kal12003

Hi
I purchased a fresh turkey joint on 19th March as it ws reduced to clear, I have frozen the joint on the same day and just realised we have not used it yet. Am I right in thinking that once frozen it needs to be used within a month from the date frozen, ie. I should have used by 19th of April?
Am not sure whether it's safe to eat next week or not.
Thanks in advance
kal12003

ktk

As long as it is still frozen in a proper freezer it will be fine. You can defrost it in the fridge overnight then cook it according to the instructions.

TonyMMM

kal12003 wrote: »

Am I right in thinking that once frozen it needs to be used within a month from the date frozen,
kal12003

One month ?

Meat lasts months/years if kept properly frozen.

If it was OK when it went in the freezer, it will be absolutely fine.

kal12003

Thanks for the responses.
Not sure why, but I always thought once frozen it had to be used within a month of that date!!
I've learnt something new today. In the past i've thrown away fresh packs of chicken that were frozen after a month due to my misguided theory, Will know in future.
Thanks again
kal12003

geordie_joe

kal12003 wrote: »

Thanks for the responses.
Not sure why, but I always thought once frozen it had to be used within a month of that date!!

Manufacturers put that on packs to make you buy more.

Most people won't buy a turkey, or anything else if they have one in the freezer. So the manufacturers put "use within 1 month" on the pack so you will either use or throw it away.

Next time you go shopping you won't have a turkey, or whatever in the freezer and will be more likely to buy one.

fiscalfreckles

I keep meat much longer than that & it's always fine.

Stompa

http://www.stilltasty.com/fooditems/index/18585

AnnieO1234

Is it that you previously had a small freezer or ice box rather than a 4 snowflake one? X

Meat needs wrapping properly to avoid freezer burn, and it will keep for a long time. I do a big freezer run down once a year and if I've something in there over twelve months I'll plan to use it within week and have a pasta on standby in case it's gone off. It never has! X

alanq

"The guidelines for freezer storage are for quality only. Frozen foods remain safe indefinitely."

http://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/charts/storagetimes.html

"Once foods are in the freezer, they can be safely stored there forever – but the quality will deteriorate so it’s best to eat them within three months."

http://www.food.gov.uk/news-updates/campaigns/germwatch/