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Food Safety Issues/Frozen food
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Question
My elderly parents keep frozen food for years. Is there a health risk, especially for elderly people, in eating food that is frozen for more than 12 months ?
Hi Robin,
As long as the food remained frozen for the entire time, it is safe to consume. Food in the freezer does not get better with age. Freezer burn, off color, flavor and texture changes occur after long storage. While this is not unsafe to eat, it is not the most appetizing.
Freezer food storage guidelines are based on quality, not safety. So when you see that steak has a 1 year freezer shelf life this is for quality of the product. After one year color, flavor and texture changes may start to appear making the steak less flavorful and appetizing.
Tell your parents only they get better with age -- not their frozen foods!!
Carol
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 7 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thanks for your response. The USDA says food should be frozen at a maximum temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit to remain safe. Some of the food in my parents' freezer is far older than one year and looks very unhealthy. I will look for something else to frighten them into replacing it! | ||
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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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