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Food Safety Issues/freezer life of vac packed fish

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Expert: Carol Schlitt - 7/10/2007


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.

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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