Freezing Foods, Storing frozen foods

Instructions for the user

8. FREEZING FOODS

For proper storage and freezing, fruit and vegetables should be packed in portions of not more than 1 kg and meat and fish up to a max. of 2 kg. Small packages of food freeze more quickly, giving better conservation of their nutrients and flavour, even after thawing and preparation. Use only freezer bags, aluminium film, food-approved polyethylene film and freezer containers. Do not use paper bags, non food-approved cellophane bags, shopping bags or used freezer bags. Pack foods in airtight packs and try to expel all the air. If using bags, close the packs with the elastic bands or plastic-coated wire strips provided. Always cool hot foods to room temperature before placing them in the freezer and do not allow frozen foods to touch fresh foods for freezing. Always mark packs with the date of freezing, quantity and type of food and make sure that foods are fresh and in good condition. The max. amount of fresh foods which can be frozen in a 24-hour period is marked on the nameplate. Do not exceed the stated amount: this reduces the freezer's efficiency and its ability to preserve the frozen foods it already contains.

For models equipped with the intensive freezing switch: turn on the switch and turn the thermostat knob to the position 5-7 twenty-four hours before you freeze a large quantity of fresh foods. After 24 hours have gone by, put in the fresh foods and after another 24 hours have gone by, turn off the switch and turn the thermostat knob to the desired position. The switch is on when the marking “I”, ““ or the coloured marking is visible. It is off when the marking 0 on the switch is visible, or when the coloured marking is not visible.

8.1 Storing frozen foods

When purchasing frozen foods, always take care that the pack is not damaged, that the product is not past its sell-by date and that the thermometer of the freezer in which the products are displayed for sale does not show a temperature above -18°C. Also note the temperature advice, storage period and modes of consumption stated by the producer. Purchased foods should also be protected using suitable insulated containers during transportation to eliminate the risk of thawing. An increase in temperature might reduce their storage life and adversely affect their quality.

Do not purchase frozen foods which are carrying too much frost; they might already have been thawed.

FOOD

STORAGE PERIOD (IN MONTHS)

Vegetables

Fruit

Bread - Confectionery

Milk

Ready-meals

Meat: beef

veal

pork

poultry

game

minced meat

Smoked sausage

Fish: oily

lean

Offal