Freezing Guidelines (cont?d)
FREEZER STORAGE CHART
Defrosting Foods
(AT 0°F)
There are basic methods to defrost food safely. Food should never
NOTE: Freezer storage is for quality only.
be defrosted at room temperature. This allows deadly bacteria to
Frozen foods remain safe indefinitely.
grow while the food is thawing. To defrost safely use:
? Refrigerator: this allows the food to thaw in an environmentFoodstuffMonths
that controls bacterial growth. Food that is thawed in a
Bacon and Sausage1 to 2
refrigerator can be safely refrozen without having to be cooked.
Casseroles1 to 2
Most foods require a day or two to defrost, approximately one
day for each 5 lbs. of weight.Egg whites or egg substitutes 12
? Cold water: place food in a leakproof bag and immerse it in
Gravy, meat or poultry2 to 3
cold water (If bag leaks, food will become contaminated by
Ham, Hotdogs and Lunchmeats1 to 2
bacteria). Check water frequently to verify it stays cold. Change
water every thirty minutes. After thawing, refrigerate the foodMeat, uncooked roasts9
until it is ready to use.Meat, uncooked steaks or chops4 to 6
? Microwave: cook food immediately after using a microwave to
Meat, uncooked ground3 to 4
defrost food. Microwave defrosting warms food and can partially
cook it, allowing bacteria to grow as it defrosts. Food cannot beMeat, cooked2 to 3
refrozen until it is cooked.Poultry, uncooked whole12
Poultry, uncooked parts9
Poultry, uncooked giblets3 to 4
Poultry, cooked3 to 4
Soups and Stews2 to 3
Packaging
Wild game, uncooked8 to 12
Proper packaging prevents freezer burn, maintains quality of frozen
foods and minimizes odor contamination in the freezer.
For short term storage, it is safe to freeze meat or poultry directly in
supermarket wrapping. This meat should be used within 1 to 2 months.
For long term storage, follow these wrapping guidelines:
?Overwrap store wrapped packages with airtight heavy duty foil,
plastic wrap or freezer paper.Cooking Frozen
?Freeze unopened vacuum wrapped packages as they are.Foods
?Make sure lids are sealed tightly when using airtight freezer¸
Foods can be cooked or
containers.
reheated directly from the frozen state.
?Break down foods into smaller portions for faster freezing.The cooking time will multiply to
?Freezer bags can be used. Remove as much air as possible from
almost one and a half times it would
them before placing in the freezer.
normally take. Remember when cooking
?If a package has accidentally been torn or damaged while in thepoultry or meat to remove paper
freezer, the food is still safe to eat. Just overwrap it or repackage it.
wrapping, giblet sacks, and any strings
?It is not necessary to rinse meat or poultry before freezing.
that might burn during cooking. Some
meats, such as pre-stuffed whole birds,
must be cooked from the frozen state to
ensure food safety. Remember to read
the USDA label on the meat.
All times and tips are provided by the USDA
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ACEC
