Can beef be frozen? (And how freeze-thaw affect beef)

In this brief guide, we will answer the question, “Can beef be frozen,’ and discuss how to safely store beef in the freezer, and if freezing the beef cause formation of ice crystals within the packaging?

Can beef be frozen?

Yes, beef can be frozen, Freezing is an important practice within the industry, playing a vital role in safeguarding the safety of meat products distributed worldwide. However, the repercussions of the freeze-thaw cycle on meat quality present a notable challenge. (1)

What do freezing and thawing do to beef?

The freezing and thawing processes predominantly impact the water content within the meat. Given that water is distributed within and between the meat’s muscle fibers, it gives rise to compartments within the tissue, thereby adding complexity to the process.

When water freezes, it leads to an escalation in the concentration of residual solutes like proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, and minerals. This, in turn, disrupts the intricate equilibrium of the meat’s composition.

Alterations in the immediate environment surrounding the muscle fibers also influence the characteristics of cell membranes, subsequently affecting the overall quality of the meat. (1) 

How does the temperature affect beef?

Temperature plays a major role in the growth and proliferation of microorganisms. The preferred temperature range for the growth of most bacteria responsible for spoilage falls between 12 to 30 °C.

However, during chilling, temperatures are reduced to 2–4 °C, inducing a cold shock in microbial cells that leads to their harm and demise. Storing meat at temperatures below 4 °C effectively retards bacterial growth, thereby extending the shelf life by several days.

Further lowering the temperature to −2 to −18 °C brings about a complete cessation of microbial and enzymatic activity due to the freezing process and the absence of available water. Freezing is commonly employed for meat intended for export, while fresh red meat is typically chilled for domestic markets. (2)

How long does frozen beef last?

When maintained at a temperature of -18 °C, the potential shelf life of beef can be extended to a duration of 12 months. Enhancing beef’s durability is significantly influenced by the packaging systems employed.

These systems serve the purpose of hindering the detrimental effects of microorganisms and the presence of atmospheric oxygen (O₂), all the while protecting the product’s immediate surroundings. (2)

When meat is subjected to vacuum packaging (VP) and stored at -1 °C, its shelf life can stretch to approximately 100 days. It’s essential to note, however, that extremely low temperatures, including conditions below freezing, might result in a gradual deterioration of the meat’s quality attributes over time. (3) 

What is the impact of thawing on beef quality?

The impact of thawing on the quality of meat is determined by factors such as temperature, duration, and techniques used. Improper thawing techniques can potentially compromise various aspects of meat quality, particularly its texture, flavor, and color.

Among the various thawing methods, refrigeration at 4 °C is the most commonly mentioned approach in scientific literature. Nonetheless, this method is regarded as slow and hasn’t yet been comprehensively compared with other techniques in terms of their effects on the sensory attributes of beef.

Considering faster thawing methods such as microwave or room temperature, there is a potential for these methods to influence tenderness and juiciness, highlighting the need for careful consideration of the chosen thawing approach. (4)

Is it possible for frozen beef to spoil?

Yes, frozen beef can spoil.

Refrigeration functions to decelerate both chemical and biological processes within food, thereby offering protection against further deterioration in quality, but subjecting food to multiple freeze-thaw cycles has been observed to notably elevate lipid and protein oxidation, while concurrently diminishing the stability of color.

Alterations in the meat’s color could potentially arise from the formation of metmyoglobin, an indication of protein oxidation influencing color changes throughout repeated freeze-thaw cycles. These structural changes within proteins, prompted by oxidation, directly impact the muscles’ ability to retain moisture.

Improper storage and maintenance of frozen beef can lead to spoilage. In cases where products have been exposed to inadequate storage conditions, the potential for bacterial growth within the beef arises. This scenario can give rise to hazardous foodborne illnesses, including but not limited to E. coli or salmonella poisoning. (5)

What are the risks of eating spoiled beef?

Consuming spoiled beef can result in illness, characterized by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. These symptoms manifest due to the ingestion of food that has been contaminated either by chemical substances or microorganisms along with their toxins. (7)

Prominent pathogens commonly associated with fresh meat products include E. coli O157:H7 and similar enteric microorganisms like Salmonella. Gram-positive bacterium L. monocytogenes also raises concerns.

In environments conducive to its growth, this particular pathogen can pose a risk if it becomes re-contaminated during stages such as slicing and packaging, after undergoing processes intended to eliminate harmful microorganisms. (8)

Other FAQs about Beef that you may be interested in.

Can too much beef make you sick?

Can too much beef jerky cause diarrhea?

Conclusion

In this brief guide, we have addressed the question “Can beef be frozen,” and other questions about the subject, such as how to safely store beef in the freezer, and can freezing the beef cause formation of ice crystals within the packaging.

References