How long can you safely freeze meat? Tips you need to know

How long can meat stay in the freezer? Many people don't realize that the storage time varies depending on the type of meat. We also provide tips on what to pay attention to, ensuring that the defrosted product is still safe to consume.

Raw meat can be used to prepare various dishes, and we often freeze it to have it on hand for other delicious meals. Unfortunately, we sometimes forget that these products cannot stay in the freezer indefinitely.

Poultry can be frozen for a maximum of 3 months. Meanwhile, beef and veal should not remain in the freezer for more than 8 months. However, if you cut them into smaller pieces beforehand, this period is reduced by two months.

Pork frozen in smaller pieces can be stored in the freezer for about 6 months. However, if it is ground, it should not be frozen for more than 2 months.

How we store meat in the freezer is crucial, especially for products like bacon, pork neck, and shoulder. If it is vacuum-sealed, you can freeze it for up to 2 years without any issues. Most often, however, we place it in special freezer bags. In that case, the meat can be frozen for a maximum of 3 months.

Just because we've frozen meat doesn't mean it will always be suitable for consumption after defrosting. Sometimes, the meat may have been compromised even before it was placed in the freezer. So, how can you tell if meat is not suitable for consumption?

The first sign that meat may be spoiled is an unpleasant smell, which differs significantly from the typical smell we expect. The texture might also change.

It's important to remember that consuming spoiled meat can lead to food poisoning, so if something about it seems off, it’s best to refrain from eating it.