Important recommendations for storing frozen food
•
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the storage and use of frozen food. Take note of the
recommended storage temperature and use-by date stated on the packaging.
•
Use only food in undamaged packaging that has been stored at a temperature of -18 °C or
lower.
•
Do not buy food covered in frost. This indicates that the food has thawed or partially thawed
several times and, as a result, is of inferior quality.
•
Make sure that the food does not thaw during transport. An increase in its temperature will shorten
the storage life and harm the quality of the food.
Recommended storage times of frozen food in the freezer
Storage life
Type of food
10 to 12 months
Fruit, beef
8 to 10 months
Vegetables, veal, poultry
6 to 8 months
Venison
4 to 6 months
Pork
4 months
Finely chopped or minced meat
3 months
Bread, pastas, cooked dishes,
whitefish
2 months
Offal
1 month
Smoked sausage, bluefish
Thawing frozen food
•
Thawing is an important step in storing food preserved by freezing. Food must be thawed in the
correct way.
•
Suitable methods of thawing food are:
-
in the refrigerator;
-
in cold water;
-
in a microwave or conventional oven with a suitable thaw program.
•
Some frozen products can be prepared without needing to thaw them first. The manufacturer
will state this on the packaging.
•
The food needs to be packed in small portions. In this way the food thaws faster.
•
Use partially or completely thawed food as quickly as possible. The bacteria in thawed food are
reactivated and the food will spoil rapidly. This applies in particular to fruit, vegetables and
ready-made food.
•
Do not refreeze partially or completely thawed food.
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Storing and freezing