How long does frozen food last?

Concerns & risks

You were trying to clean out the freezer, but you found a pack of chicken from last year and you're not sure whether it's safe.

Everyday mishaps add up.

Causes & evidence

Food kept at 0°F stays safe, but quality drops over time. See food storage times.

What to do

1. Check for freezer burn.
2. Use FoodKeeper quality times.
3. Label and date everything.

Common mistakes: Common mistakes: assuming old frozen food is dangerous, or the opposite, expecting it to taste great forever. At a steady 0°F, freezing keeps food safe because bacteria can't grow, but quality goes down over time. Freezer burn shows as dry, grayish spots; it's safe but can taste dry, so cut those parts off. If the package was torn, quality drops faster. Keep a list of what's in your freezer on the door. Wrap food tightly in freezer bags or foil. Check that your freezer stays at 0°F with a thermometer, since frequent opening and power outages can raise the temperature.

Speed Man tip: First in, first out.

Wrap-up: Safe at 0°F. Quality. Label.