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 How long is it safe to keep meat frozen before use?
Answer Hi Elna,
It's safe to keep meat frozen for a long, long time. Meat will stay safe as long as it is frozen, but it begins to take on unappetizing features such as dryness and freezer burn, flavor changes, color changes, etc. While these are not harmful to eat, they sure don't taste very good.
The freezer storage charts recommend using stew meat within 3-4 months for best flavor, color, etc. After 4 months, beef stew meat begins to degrade in quality. As I said, this is not unsafe, just not the most appetizing.
