Is it alright to store frozen meat above frozen prepared foods?
Would this cause any cross-contamination issues since the meat is frozen and wouldn't be dripping down onto any of the frozen prepared meals that have already been cooked?
Best Answer
Are you not wrapping the meat (and the prepared food)?
Wrap the meat, put them in sealable bags (*) (ziplock type) and you should be OK.
If your meat melts in tour freezer and start dripping, then you have a bigger problem than cross-contamination, fix your freezer.
(*) or better put the meat in a vacuum bag if you have the machine to do it.
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Can you freeze something twice?
The answer is yes. But pay attention to the way you thaw and, conversely, the way you freeze. Most foods previously frozen, thawed and then cooked can be refrozen as long as they have not been sitting at room temperature for more than two hours.Can you refreeze previously frozen meat from the grocery store?
If you purchase previously frozen meat, poultry or fish at a retail store, you can refreeze if it has been handled properly, according to USDA. DO NOT thaw meat at room temperature, such as on the kitchen counter.What is the correct order for storing food in a freezer?
It should also be stored in the following top-to-bottom order: ready-to-eat food, whole fish, whole cuts of beef and pork, ground meats and fish, and whole ground poultry.Can frozen meat contaminate other food?
You let frozen raw meat or poultry thaw on the counter. And, since food thaws unevenly, bacteria begin to grow on the thawed portions even if other parts of the food still feel frozen solid. That bacteria can make you sick and contaminate other items in your kitchen, Tierno says.How to Safely Freeze Cooked Meats | 1 Minute Tips | DJ BBQ
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Answer 2
In my experience, it's OK so long as the meat is in a sealed container or bag. However, it's always preferable to place meat on a separate space because it helps prevent your frozen prepared food getting the smell of meat, not to mention the health and safety aspects of having raw meat near cooked food.
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