- Storage Life of Foods -

Frozen foods

The recommended maximum storage times shown in Figure 33 for foods in the home freezer are probably conservative.

If temperatures are carefully controlled at -18°C and the food was initially of high quality then longer storage times can be achieved. However, most home freezers are used for freezing as well as storage. This results in temperatures rising above -18°C, which decreases optimum storage life. Some deterioration in quality may have already taken place before the food is frozen; for instance it may have been left in a hot car while shopping. At -180°C loss in quality is very much slowed but not completely stopped.

These slow changes, which limit the storage life, do not have a marked effect on nutrient content but eventually cause a noticeable change in eating quality. Frozen foods do not become unsafe to eat even if kept for many years at -180°C (see here for safe handling of frozen foods).

To remain aware of storage time, each package should be marked with the date as it is placed in the freezer.