Is anyone risking the food in their freezer?

judyr


Joined: 07/07/2009
Posts: 956

Message Posted:
25/01/2012 16:48

The longest time I was without power was approximately 30 hours. I did not open the freezer during that time and have just looked to see what the food is like. It is all well frozen and there appears to have been no leakage and no sign of any crystals. Would you risk it or ditch it bearing in mind the power has been on and off for 6 days?

carian


Joined: 13/03/2009
Posts: 336

Message Posted:
25/01/2012 16:53

If you've got some ice-cream in the freezer, have a look what that is like, you will be able to tell if its been thawed.

dippersgirl



Joined: 04/05/2010
Posts: 795

Message Posted:
25/01/2012 17:02

Meat I would only keep if it smells ok and you can boil it for more than 30 mins, i.e. for stew, casserole, bolognese etc. Dairy produce I have thrown away. Vegetables I would assess in each case and what you want to use if for. Can't go wrong with casseroles, bolognese etc. Frozen cooked dishes, mmmmhhh..... , not sure, would probably throw them away. Fish definitely a nono.

brightlights



Joined: 09/11/2009
Posts: 117

Message Posted:
25/01/2012 17:37

If your freezer stock is well packed in together it should be ok for 72 hours ......pack dry towels firmly into any empty spaces as quickly as you can as soon as power goes off so that any air in the freezer cannot circulate. Then KEEP THE DOOR SHUT! This is a tip I learned whilst in the catering trade many years ago.

deputydawg


Joined: 30/03/2010
Posts: 1727

Message Posted:
25/01/2012 17:53

A freezer is more energy efficient when full and will preserve food the longer in the event of power cuts. If you do not wish to risk large stocks of expensive food, prime steaks for example, pack the free space with loafs of bread which will help longevity and are cheap if they have to be disposed of.

dizzycows


Joined: 12/05/2009
Posts: 2736

Message Posted:
25/01/2012 19:14

brightlights is right, put old blankets, coats etc for insulation on top and around the lid tightly and dont open.. We had to do this for months when the miners strikes were on in the 70s.

Ed1957


Joined: 03/09/2011
Posts: 377

Message Posted:
25/01/2012 20:31

Don't panic, if it smells fine, it will be fine.



too much food thrown away by 'eat by date' manics.



Generally food will keep for a good while in a freezer in these temps

islandgirl


Joined: 12/09/2009
Posts: 302

Message Posted:
26/01/2012 10:50

We were 26 hours out and the temp got to minus 12 on an upright fridge freezer. I am not worried to be honest.

cyprusairsoft



Joined: 22/06/2009
Posts: 2066

Message Posted:
26/01/2012 13:20

eat at your own peril



ecoli is nobodys friend



if in doubt chuck it out cost you a lot more then a freezer full of ecoli in hospital

islandgirl


Joined: 12/09/2009
Posts: 302

Message Posted:
26/01/2012 16:02

Ecoli is killed in the cooking process.