I know “use by” and “best by” dates aren’t set in stone- it’s okay to drink milk a day or 2 past the expiration date- but let’s pretend for a minute that they are set and definite.
Let’s say I buy a package of steaks on July 1 and the expiration date is July 15. I put them in the freezer as soon as I get home, and leave them there until August 1st. Is the expiration now August 15? Or do I need to use them as quickly as possible?
I’m not potentially going to expose myself to foodborne illnesses, it’s just a question that’s sat in the back of my mind for a while.
In: Other
It depends on how the food spoils, rancidity or bacterially.
Freezing food can at best pause the spoiling process.
Rancidity is when the food spoils through a chemical process, like milk spoiling. Pasteurized milk has no bacteria in it, but the chemicals that make up the milk can still react, spoiling the milk. It’s perfectly safe to drink, but it tastes awful. Not all rancid food is safe to eat, milk is just one example.
Bacterially is when bacteria eats your food and poops in it. That poop is toxic, even if you kill the bacteria, the poop is still there. (I’m lumping mold in with this too)
In both cases, freezing the food slows the process, sometimes stops it, but it depends on the food. Also if the freezer ever warms up and the food thaws (losing power for example) the clock starts again, even if it cools.down again without you ever opening the freezer.
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