Freezing foods
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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 2kg. Small packages of food freeze more
quickly, giving better conservation of their nutrients and flavour, even after thawing and
preparation.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Always mark packs with the date of freezing, quantity and type of food and make sure that
foods are fresh and in good condition.
Storing frozen foods
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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.
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Do not purchase frozen foods which are carrying too much frost; they might already have
been thawed.
Thawing frozen foods
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Partially thawed foods should be eaten as soon as possible. Low temperatures preserve
foods, but they do not destroy the micro-organisms which are activated after thawing, which
may cause the stored foods to deteriorate. If thawed foods smell and look normal, they can
be cooked and if required re-frozen once they have cooled.
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Depending on their type and intended use, frozen foods can be thawed correctly at room
temperature, in the refrigerator, in an electric oven (conventional or fan), or in a microwave
oven using the relevant function.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Defrosting the freezer
The freezer compartment has to be defrosted manually. When the thickness of frost or ice on
the shelves exceeds 2 cm, the freezer should be defrosted. A few hours before defrosting, set
the thermostat on position 4 in order to further lower the temperature of the frozen foods. Then
turn the knob to the OFF (stop) setting and disconnect the plug from the electrical mains.
Remove the frozen foods from the freezer compartment and protect them from thawing while
cleaning.
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