Can you eat frozen food after the best before date?

WE all buy frozen food and pop it in the freezer without checking the best before date.

So what happens if when we unearth it, the date has expired?

1

Can you eat frozen food after the best before date?

The simple answer is yes.

Frozen foods are usually safe to eat if they have gone past the best before date indefinitely.

Expiration dates are added to packages as the food might not taste or smell at its best after the date.

However, they should be safe to eat.

read more fabulous

HELPING HAND

I volunteered at a baby bank - it's so crucial… I’m desperate to return

If cooking your own food, it's best to put a date on it before freezing.

explains: “Freezing acts as a 'pause' button on food. If you freeze food correctly, it won’t deteriorate or spoil as bacteria cannot grow on frozen food.

“However, the longer the food is frozen, the more likely that the texture will be affected. This will not affect safety.

“However, once defrosted, the pause button is off.”

Most read in Fabulous

BANG OUT OF ORDER

'World’s most sexually active female’ slams male double standards in bed

STAND BY YOU

Spa days & drunken snogs - inside Cheryl, Kimberley & Nicola's bond

HIPPO HORROR

I was mauled by a hippo - tourists watched as my lifeless body lay in its jaws

FLEECE NAVIDAD

Primark fans going wild for £18 ‘best purchase’ which keeps you ‘super warm’

Once food has been defrosted you should not refreeze it.

Defrosted food will need to be consumed within 24 hours ensuring the food is steaming hot before serving.

How long are frozen foods good for after the expiration date?

Determining the quality and safety of frozen foods after their expiration date will largely depend on what type of product it is.

Fish, for example, is still good after its expiration date and can be kept between six to nine months if frozen.

Raw chicken or turkey can be stored in the freezer for up to a year and ground beef frozen is okay for a few months.

Unopened frozen fruit and frozen vegetables are good for eight to 10 months beyond their expiration date.

How to tell if your frozen food has gone off?

It’s important to adhere to the guidelines regarding freezing food and only store the food continuously at 0°F or below.

If the freezing temperature guidelines are not met or the product was frozen after its expiration date, there may be a few signs indicating your frozen food has gone off.

READ MORE SUN STORIES

DEATH CASE

Body found inside vehicle in Belfast car park as emergency services at scene

A MUM'S PAIN

Ashley Cain's ex Safiyaa shares emotional post after he reveals baby news

According to , the seven signs your frozen food has gone bad include:

• Ice crystals are visible inside the packaging
• The protein has changed colour
• The vegetables look very dull in colour
• You are unaware of when exactly you put something in there
• There's evidence of spills
• A rancid or off odour is present
• The defrosted food is sticky or slimy.