Instructions for the user
24
8. FREEZING FOODS
For proper storage and freezing, fruit and vegetables should be packed in portions of not more than 1 kg
and meat and fish up to a max. of 2 kg. Small packages of food freeze more quickly, giving better
conservation of their nutrients and flavour, even after thawing and preparation. Use only freezer bags,
aluminium film, food-approved polyethylene film and freezer containers. Do not use paper bags, non food-
approved cellophane bags, shopping bags or used freezer bags. Pack foods in airtight packs and try to
expel all the air. If using bags, close the packs with the elastic bands or plastic-coated wire strips provided.
Always cool hot foods to room temperature before placing them in the freezer and do not allow frozen foods
to touch fresh foods for freezing. Always mark packs with the date of freezing, quantity and type of food and
make sure that foods are fresh and in good condition. The max. amount of fresh foods which can be frozen
in a 24-hour period is marked on the nameplate. Do not exceed the stated amount: this reduces the
freezer's efficiency and its ability to preserve the frozen foods it already contains.
8.1 Storing frozen foods
When purchasing frozen foods, always take care that the pack is not damaged, that the product is not past
its sell-by date and that the thermometer of the freezer in which the products are displayed for sale does not
show a temperature above -18°C. Also note the temperature advice, storage period and modes of
consumption stated by the producer. Purchased foods should also be protected using suitable insulated
containers during transportation to eliminate the risk of thawing. An increase in temperature might reduce
their storage life and adversely affect their quality.
Do not purchase frozen foods which are carrying too much frost; they might already have been thawed.
FOOD
STORAGE PERIOD (IN MONTHS)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Vegetables
+
+
+
Fruit
+
+
+
Bread - Confectionery
+
Milk
+
Ready-meals
+
Meat: beef
+
+
+
veal
+
+
+
pork
+
+
+
poultry
+
+
+
game
+
+
+
minced meat
+
Smoked sausage
+
Fish: oily
+
lean
+
Offal
+
To prevent deterioration of frozen foods, do not exceed the permitted storage date, which
depends on the type of food.
8.2 Thawing frozen foods
Partially thawed foods should be eaten as soon as possible. Low temperatures preserve foods but they
do not destroy the micro-organisms which are activated after thawing, which may cause the stored foods
to deteriorate. If thawed foods smell and look normal, they can be cooked and if required re-frozen once
they have cooled.
Depending on their type and intended use, frozen foods can be thawed correctly at room temperature, in
the refrigerator, in an electric oven (conventional or fan), or in a microwave oven using the relevant
function.
8.3 Making ice-cubes
Fill the tray provided 2/3 full of water or any other liquid you wish to freeze. Place it in the freezer
compartment, making sure that its bottom is dry so that it will not stick to the shelf of the compartment.
To detach the ice-cubes, twist the tray slightly or place it under running water for a few seconds.
