Food Safety Issues/Frozen pork chops

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Expert: Carol Schlitt - 6/29/2007


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.

Carol

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Volunteer

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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