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Max temp freezer meat can be kept at, and for how long?

the freezer in my unheated garage isn't turning on as often as it should due to the cold temperatures in the garage. therefore, the meat and poultry is only partially frozen. it has ice crystals in it; it's just not frozen solid. on wiki, it states: "Since early times farmers, fishermen, and trappers have preserved their game in unheated buildings during the winter season. Freezing food slows down decomposition by turning water to ice, making it unavailable for most bacterial growth." obviously, they couldn't control what the outside temp would be; therefore, their meat was not a constant temperature...so, i'm wondering what max temp meat can be kept at without spoiling and for how long? i understand that under ideal conditions, a freezer should be at zero. however, i'm wondering if i need to throw all of the meat out, or if it's still ok to use. thanks.

Public Comments

  1. We have a freezer in our outside building too. It's still frozen even though we have had MANY days of freezing temps. I suggest you have your freezer checked out or at least defrost it.. As long as the meat is still cold and partially frozen, it's safe to eat.
  2. People in the hospitality industry have what is called a temperature danger zone which is any temperature between 40 and 140 degrees fahrenheit. Foods should not be kept in this danger zone for more than four hours before being properly stored. That is: at or below 40 degrees for cold food or at or below 140 degrees for hot foods. Your meat has probably spoiled due to fluctuating temperatures. Freezing only slows bacterial growth, it doesn't kill it. The portion of your meat that is not frozen is still susceptible to bacterial growth. Best to be safe and pitch it.
  3. Meat should be kept at 0 degrees or colder. http://www.fsis.usda.gov/factsheets/Keep_Food_Safe_Food_Safety_Basics/index.asp
  4. Your meat is no good. I don't believe that the outside temp effects the freezer. I think that you may have something going wrong with your freezer.
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