Frozen Meat

[Robinia]

If you buy ready frozen meat, there's generally quite a long term use by date. Why is it then, that if you decide to freeze pre-packed fresh meat from a supermarket, it always says use within one month? (Just found some lean minced beef that I froze on 1st June & I fancy a spag bol today).

[andy hughes]

The difference lies in the temperature at which you are able to freeze the meat. A buther's / supermarket freezer can freeze to a lower temperature than a domestic fridge or freezer, hence the difference in usage times. If you're not sure about the meat's freshness, phone your local supermarket and have a quick word with their meat dept. and they will give you advice.

[Robinia]

Thanks andy!

[Jamie Lewis]

It's only July 22nd - you'll be fine. I've had mince that's was bought three or four months previously. Obviously if you die don't come running to me.

[becks]

Eat it anyway! Three months is the limit i give stuff when i've frozen things and i'm still ali...arrrgghh urrrghhh......

[Robinia]

thanks you 2 - glad you almost lived to tell the tale becks!

[Gef]

Sorry andy but I disagree. If your answer was true then as soon as you bought the meat and transferred it to your own freezer then you should use it within one month. I think it is because meat bought frozen has been frozen pretty quickly after slaughter whereas "fresh" meat may have been on the shelves for several days.

[alan2]

providing you have a good freezer which should run at-14 and the meat is fresh it can remain in your freezer for as long as you wish and when you defrost it, it will be as fresh as the day that you froze it.