Most freezers in Europe will be labeled with one to four stars based on their reliability and temperature capabilities.
Only four star freezers are built to maintain temperatures of -18°C at all times. While three star freezers are also designed to reach -18°C, they are less reliable and you shouldn't store food in them for more than three months.
One and two star freezers can reach temperatures of -6°C and -12°C respectively. They are not suitable for the long-term storage of food.
At -18°C, all bacteria are halted in their tracks. Food can be stored at this temperature and below indefinitely, and it will remain safe to eat.
However, chemical processes such as dehydration and oxidisation will continue and this will eventually affect the taste and texture of food over time.
Some foods, such as raw poultry and frozen shrimps, can last a year or more before their quality starts to deteriorate. Other foods, such as milk or some cooked meats, will quickly go downhill after a month in the freezer.
Here is a selection of common foods and their maximum recommended frozen storage times:
Some foods should never see the inside of a freezer. These include:
To retain the quality of your frozen food for as long as possible, here are some tips:
To reiterate: the above guidance is based on your freezer maintaining a temperature of -18°C or below. The only way to be sure that your freezer is cold enough is to use an appliance thermometer.
If your freezer is warmer than expected, start troubleshooting by checking your freezer door seal for dirt or damage. If you find that your seal is cracked or warped beyond salvage, visit our home page to start the process of tracking down a replacement.
GasketGuy manufacture & install quality refrigeration door seals for commercial appliances. Let the door seal experts assist with your replacement door seal gaskets.
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