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Message from Michele from Kraft Kitchens

Thanks for your participation in our Ask Kraft Kitchens message board! I'm having so much fun learning about you from all your great questions regarding recipes and cooking. For questions regarding product information, ingredients, and availability, please use our Contact Us site. Our Consumer Relations representatives are the product experts, and will provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date product information. Thanks!

Frozen food - how long?

[Replies: 3]

Last Post Jul 28, 2008 2:14 PM by: Chef Bill

Chef Bill

Posts: 415

Re: Frozen food - how long?

Posted: Jul 28, 2008 2:14 PM

Hi Riff Raff,

To answer your question, "Why not?":

I use the Food Storage Guidelines from the test kitchen at, "Taste of Home" for processed meats which also include:
Bacon,
Frankfurters,
Ham (fully cooked half),
luncheon meats,
sausage (smoked)

All of these have a freezer life of 1 to 2 months. The reasons for the shorter storage time is because of the word, "processed" which is added chemicals that have been determined to break down after extended frozen storage. This breaking down down can affect taste, nutritional value, and appearance.

Would the ham in question be safe to eat after a year in the freezer? That's not my judgement call. I would not serve it for the previously listed reasons.

Hope this answers your question!

Chef Bill

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Riff_Raff

Posts: 79

Re: Frozen food - how long?

Posted: Jul 28, 2008 11:27 AM

> Processed meat, in your case a ham...and if it is a
> fully cooked half...should not be stored in a freezer
> for more than 1 to 2 months.

Why not?

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Chef Bill

Posts: 415

Re: Frozen food - how long?

Posted: Jul 28, 2008 9:52 AM

Hi djsaefke,

Processed meat, in your case a ham...and if it is a fully cooked half...should not be stored in a freezer for more than 1 to 2 months.

Fresh meats like steaks and roasts can be stored in a freezer for 6-12 months providing your freezer is at 0 degrees fahrenheit or about -18 degrees centigrade.

As I was taught many years ago, "If in doubt, throw it out!" That would be my recommendation.

Welcome to the community!

Chef Bill

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djsaefke

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