Question: I am really confused! Your website says I can only freeze chicken for 6 months, but commercially frozen chicken has a twelve month use by. Which is right?
Answer:
Both are right. When food manufacturers freeze products it is in a "cool room" environment and then snap frozen at temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius. The environment is well controlled to avoid contamination of the food and the products are prepared when they are at their peak freshness.
When we freeze at home, our freezer is usually at around - 18 degrees Celsius. The food you buy is often days old. This is why commercially prepared frozen food will have a longer shelf life than home prepared food.
When you buy frozen products, always follow the manufacturer's directions and advice.
