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 have a vacuum packed salmon that has been in my freezer for 4 years. It has never thawed during that time. IS it safe to thaw and cook and eat?
Answer Hi John,
Yes, the salmon is safe to thaw and cook and eat. Frozen foods that have remained frozen are safe to eat for a long, long time past their "best if used by" frozen storage recommendation. The recommendation is based on quality -- not safety. While the 4 year old salmon will be safe to eat, it may not be the highest quality. After all, freezer burn is not unsafe to eat, just not very appetizing.
