Food Safety Issues/frozen stew meat

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Expert: Carol Schlitt - 7/4/2007


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.

For a great storage chart to download, see this website: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~pregnant/refrfrez.pdf

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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