What do I do if the freezer temperature goes above -15°C?
Answer Content
If your freezer temperature rises above -15°C, here's what you need to do:
- Wait one hour and check the temperature again
- If it's still above -15°C, you'll need to move all food to another freezer
- Check if foods are still completely hard - if they are, they can be safely relocated
- Any foods starting to defrost must go straight into a fridge and be used within 48 hoursItems like ice cream that must stay frozen should be used immediately or discarded
What if I don't have another freezer to move the food to?
If you don't have access to another freezer, you'll need to follow these steps:
- Move any food that's starting to defrost to a fridge immediately
- Use these items within 48 hours
- Never refreeze any food that has started to defrost
- Discard items like ice cream that must remain frozen
Common misunderstanding: Once food begins to defrost, it is safe to refreeze it if it still feels cold.
Refreezing defrosted food can lead to significant quality degradation and increases the risk of bacterial growth. It is important to use defrosted food within 48 hours if kept in the fridge, and never refreeze it once it has begun to thaw.
How can I prevent this from happening again
To prevent future temperature issues:
- Check condenser vents and seals weekly for cleanliness and damage
- Don't overload the freezer - ensure proper air circulation
- Keep the freezer door closed as much as possible
- Make sure the unit is regularly defrosted if it's not auto-defrost
- Consider calling an engineer to check the unit if problems persist
UK Official Guidance
USA Official Guidance
Related questions
- How often should I check the freezer temperature?
You should check and record freezer temperatures twice per day to ensure they are maintained at -18°C (0°F) or below. Regularly recording this data helps in maintaining optimal food safety conditions.
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- How often should I clean the freezer?
You should conduct weekly checks on the freezer's condensers, vents, seals, and lids to ensure they are clean and in good condition.
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- What's the correct temperature for a freezer?
The ideal freezer temperature should be -18°C (0°F) or below to halt all bacterial activity, ensuring food safety and preventing spoilage.
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- Should I defrost the freezer manually or wait for auto-defrost?
If your freezer has an auto-defrost feature, it is recommended to use it as this method is the most efficient at maintaining the freezer.
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- What do the grey spots on frozen food mean?
Grey spots on frozen food, known as freezer burn, occur when air reaches the food's surface, causing dehydration and oxidation.
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Fresh meat should ideally be used within one month of freezing to maintain optimal quality.
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To determine if frozen food has gone bad, look for these signs: grayish-brown leathery spots indicating freezer burn, improper wrapping, and storage above -18°C (0°F).
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- How do I label frozen food properly?
When labelling frozen food, it's important to include three key pieces of information: the production date, a use-by date (generally one month from production), and the allergens present in the food.
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- How can I tell if my freezer is overloaded?
You can determine if your freezer is overloaded by checking for inadequate space around the interior and back of the unit to allow for air circulation.
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- If the power goes out, how long will food stay frozen?
If the power goes out, the duration that food will stay frozen depends on not opening the freezer door. If the food remains hard and is covered in ice, it can be transferred to another freezer.
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- What's the procedure if the freezer breaks down?
If your freezer breaks down, you should: 1) Check if the food inside is still frozen solid. If yes, quickly transfer it to another freezer.
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- Can I refreeze food that has started to defrost?
No, you should never refreeze food that has started to defrost. Once food begins to defrost, it should either be used immediately or discarded to avoid safety risks.
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- What should I check during weekly freezer maintenance?
During weekly freezer maintenance, ensure to check: 1. Condensers for cleanliness and unblocked paths, 2. Vents to ensure they are clear of debris and allow proper airflow, 3.
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If there's only slight freezer burn, you can cut away the affected areas either before or after cooking. For heavily freezer-burned food, it is best to discard it due to quality concerns.
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