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Food Safety Issues/frozen ham bone
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Question
After Christmas dinner last year (2008) I put the ham bone in the freezer that evening. Now it's mid-October and I was going to use it to make bean soup. Can I assume it is safe since it has been in the freezer all this time?
Hi Judy,
As long as the ham bone was continually frozen it is safe to use. Freezer guidelines for usage of meat is based on quality -- not safety. In other words, foods continually frozen for years will be safe to consume, just not very tasty as foods frozen for shorter periods of time. After all, freezer burn is not unsafe to consume...just not very appetizing.
Carol
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Answers by Expert:
Carol Schlitt
Expertise
I can answer questions on home food safety, sanitation, home food preservation and commercial food safety (HACCP).
Experience
I am a former Extension educator, nutrition, wellness and food safety, having retired August 1, 2010. I am a certified HACCP manager, a food safety instructor for the Illinois Department of Public Health and a 3rd party food safety and OSHA auditor of restaurants.
Organizations
International Association for Food Protection, American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (Certified CFCS), National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, St. Louis Culinary Society.
Education/Credentials
BS - University of Illinois
MS - Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville
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