You can freeze most foods, for example:

When freezing, you should…

1. Put frozen food away as soon as it is delivered and check it is at the correct temperature when delivered.
2. Frozen food with a “use by” date must be frozen before the date specified. The date the item is frozen must be recorded and the “use by” date changed to a “best before” date.
3. Fresh food must be frozen as soon as delivered or prepared. When possible split food in to smaller freezing bags or containers.

Defrosting

Ideally defrosting should be done in the fridge. If this is not possible, you can put food in a container and place it under running cold water. Raw meat and poultry should not be defrosted under running cold water unless it is in a sealed container.

Food should be thoroughly defrosted before cooking unless the manufacturer’s instructions tell you to cook from frozen.

Freezing and defrosting meat and fish

It is safe to freeze meat and fish as long as you:

1. Freeze before its “use by” date
2. Wrap properly before freezing
3. Date and label and eat within 3 to 6 months
4. Defrost thoroughly before cooking
5. Cook food until it is steaming hot throughout
6. Eat within 24 hours of defrosting
7. Never refreeze raw meat or fish that has been defrosted
8. You can cook frozen fish and meat once it has been defrosted, then refreeze it
9. Divide meals into portions before freezing so you can defrost only what you need