AboutCarol 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
Question I found some two-year-old pork chops in my freezer. They do not look freezer burned, and they smell okay. Would they be safe to eat?
Answer Hi Rhoda,
Yes -- they should be safe to eat. The guidelines for meat storage in the freezer are designed for the greatest quality of the frozen meat -- not the safety. In other words, as long as meat is continually frozen it is safe to eat. However, foods in long term freezer storage tend to become less flavorful, change color and are dryer. This is not unsafe to eat, just not as appetizing. Freezer burn is not unsafe to eat, just not the best tasting.
