AllExperts > Food Safety Issues 
Search      
Food Safety Issues
Volunteer
Answers to thousands of questions
 Home · More Food Safety Issues Questions · Answer Library  · Encyclopedia ·
More Food Safety Issues Answers
Question Library

Ask a question about Food Safety Issues
Volunteer
Experts of the Month
Expert Login

Awards

About Us
Tell friends
Link to Us
Disclaimer

 
 
 
 
About Carol Schlitt
Expertise
I can answer questions on home food safety, sanitation, home food preservation and commercial food safety (HACCP).

Experience
I am an Extension educator, nutrition, wellness and food safety. I am a certified HACCP manager and a food safety instructor for the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Organizations
International Association for Food Protection, American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (Certified CFCS), National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Society for Nutrition Education.

Education/Credentials
BS - University of Illinois MS - Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville

 
   

You are here:  Experts > Parenting/Family > Protecting your Home and Family > Food Safety Issues > Frozen food safety

Food Safety Issues - Frozen food safety


Expert: Carol Schlitt - 11/4/2006

Question
I purchased a farm fresh turkey last Novemeber... It has been in my freezer ever since.  It is in a clear plastic bag...  was never shrink wrapped...  Is it still good?

Please help me :)

tyvm,
Jennifer

jennyj28@wowway.com

Answer
Hi Jennifer,

Turkey that has remained frozen for one year will be safe to defrost and cook.

Since you say it was not wrapped tightly, air has been slowly changing the flavor of the meat.  You may even notice areas of freezer burn.  Freezer burn is not harmful to eat -- just not very appetizing.

Foods that remain frozen, even for years, are safe -- they just don't get better quality-wise. For maximum quality, it is recommended to freeze turkeys for up to 1 year.

In the future, for maximum quality be sure to tightly wrap meat before freezing. Air is the enemy when freezing so keeping it away ensures a fresher tasting product when you defrost and cook.

I hope this has helped.  Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.

Carol C. Schlitt
Extension Educator, Nutrition and Wellness
University of Illinois Extension

Ask a Question


 
User Agreement | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy | Help
Copyright  © 2008 About, Inc. AllExperts, AllExperts.com, and About.com are registered trademarks of About, Inc. All rights reserved.