Food safety - frozen food
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FROZEN STORAGE
There is a danger that frozen food when thawed then re frozen will breed bacteria at an alarming rate. For this reason thawed food must be used and not re frozen.
- Temperature of freezer should be -15 C or colder (around -15 C to -18 C is good)
- Make sure food is covered in clean uncontaminated containers. Clearly marked stating what it is and the date it was frozen.
- Store so cold air can circulate around it.
- Check the freezer thermometer is working correctly
- Check frozen food is frozen hard
- Keep freezer floor clean and don’t place food on floor
- Check packaging is air tight and not broken
- Ensure stock rotation
- If food thaws or partially thaws place in fridge and use as refrigerated food
- If over +5 C use immediately
- If unsure of how long between 5 and 60 C through out (DON”T USE)
Thawing Frozen Food
Thawing frozen food safely means you are less likely to throw food out.
The best way to thaw food is to plan ahead and thaw slowly in the cold room or fridge.
Some food may take 1 to 3 days to thaw.
- Store frozen food below raw ready to cook/eat food, so it does not drip on that food. This is called cross contamination (It is very dangerous)
- Thaw in microwave – must be used immediately
- Should be covered when thawing
- Should be completely thawed before cooking (allows bacteria to survive)
- Avoid thawing in water
- Never thaw in a sink
Time, Temperature and Food Safety (Remember the 2 hour 4 hour rule)
Ready to eat food that has been kept between 5 and 60 C:
- For a total of 4 hours must be thrown out ( This is LAW, you are liable)
- For a total of 2 hours must be used or refrigerated immediately
- More than 2 hours but less than 4 hours must use immediately
These Rules are Cumulative – add the last period of time to the new period.
“If in DOUBT, Throw it OUT”
References: Storage Units Temperature Log

