How long can you keep meat in the freezer?

[aprilfoolwed]

I am trying to eat out of our pantry/freezer right now. I found a pork roast from December - it's been in our stand-alone freezer inthe basement. I assume it's okay???? I am planning to toss it in the crock pot tomorrow.

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

I think you need to throw that thing out. My grandmother always told me never keep anything in the freezer more than 3 to 4 months. I certainly wouldn't use it. I'm not surprised it isn't off in color by now.

Suzanne

 

[hambirg]

Frozen meat can be stored anywhere between 4-12 months. It is most likely still safe to eat. However, with that long of a storage quality may not be to your liking. . .ie freezer burn, etc. Here's what the USDA has to say about it:

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/factsheets/focus_on_freezing/index.asp

Food stored constantly at 0 °F will always be safe. Only the quality suffers with lengthy freezer storage. . . .

 

[aprilfoolwed]

Guess I'll check it tomorrow morning before putting it in the crockpot. It looks fine, and it seems like it should be safe.

 

[Pigeon]

It will be fine. It's perfectly safe if it's been frozen. Quality deteriorates sometimes if it wasn't well wrapped and it's there for a very long time, but I keep meat at least that long all the time. If you are cooking it in a crockpot, you won't notice any difference at all.

 

[MSSANDRA]

I would use it. I have had meat long than that and it is perefectly fine!