Can beef go bad in the freezer? (How long it last)
By
Dr Rafael Frascino Cassaro (PhD)
| Reviewed by
Dr Anny Manrich (PhD)
The contents of this article are fact-based except otherwise stated within the article.
Author bio
Dr Rafael Frascino Cassaro PhD is a Chemist with expertise in Food Technology, extraction of essential oils from food sources, organocatalysis, extraction by supercritical CO2 and organic chemistry. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Rafael Frascino Cassaro’s Highlights:
- PIPE-FAPESP Project Coordinator for the company Bioativos Naturais Ltda involving the extraction of essential oils from food sources, with supercritical CO2.
- PhD in Chemistry with research in supercritical fluid reactivity.
- Bachelor of Environmental Chemistry at University of São Paulo State (UNESP)/Brazil
Professional Experience:
Dr Rafael Frascino Cassaro’s Experience:
Dr Rafael coordinated a PIPE-FAPESP Project (Company Research and Innovation Project) for the company Bioativos Naturais Ltda, involving the extraction of essential oils with supercritical CO2 from food sources such as turmeric, ginger, hops, orange bagasse, pepper rose, cupuaçu pie, among others.
Dr Rafael has worked on a project, involving studies of the influence of pre-treatment on the recovery of crude food extracts by extraction with supercritical CO2 (Supercritical Fluid Extraction or SFE) and with pressurized liquids (ethanol and water) for food sources, aimed at obtaining oleoresins; determination of global yield and chemical composition of crude extracts. As a postdoctoral fellow for the Food Engineering department at the University of Campinas/Brazil
Dr Rafael Frascino Cassaro has worked as a substitute Professor at the University of São Paulo State (UNESP) on General Chemistry and Thermodynamics II disciplines for the Food Engineering course.
Education:
- 2009 Bachelor in Environmental Chemistry at the State University of São Paulo, Brazil
- 2015 PhD in Chemistry with research in supercritical fluid reactivity University of São Paulo, Brazil
- 2017 Post Doctoral in Food Engineering Research: Influence of Biomass Pre-Treatment on Supercritical CO2 Extraction: Preservation of High Added Value Assets and Reduction of Process Costs at the State University of Campinas, Brazil
The main publications of Dr Rafael Frascino Cassaro are:
RC Bazito, RF CASSARO, LC OLIVEIRA, RA Gariani, CAO Nascimento. (2013). Proline derivatives as organocatalysts for the aldol reaction in conventional and non-conventional reaction media. Green Processing and Synthesis 2, 43-50
TS Bastos, SB Rodriguez Reartes, MS Zabaloy, RF Cassaro, RC Bazito. (2019).Phase Behavior for the System Carbon Dioxide plus p-Nitrobenzaldehyde: Experimental and Modeling JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING DATA 64 (5), 2116-2125
GH Sakae, LM Takata, AS Paulino, RC Bazito, RF Cassaro, C Princival, .(2013). A high enantioselective Proline-based helical polymer catalyst for aldol type reaction. Blucher Chemistry Proceedings 1 (2), 214-214
You can view some of Dr Rafael’s work below and links to his professional profile.
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rafael-Cassaro-2
Fapesp: https://bv.fapesp.br/pt/pesquisador/680718/rafael-frascino-cassaro/
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=ToO7HIcAAAAJ&hl=en
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafael-frascino-cassaro-4a156a37/?originalSubdomain=br
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3729-2858
Reviewer bio
Dr Anny Manrich PhD is a food Engineer with expertise in Food Technology, Natural Polymers, Edible Films, Enzymes, and Nanotechnology. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Anny Manrich’s Highlights:
- Research and Technology at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation
- PhD in Chemical Engineering with a focus on Biochemistry at the Federal University of Sao Carlos/ Brazil and a one-year scholarship at the Technical University of Munich/ Germany
- Bachelor of Food Engineering at the University of Campinas/ Brazil and a one-year scholarship at the Technical University of Munich/ Germany
“To solve a problem, global vision and multifactorial understanding are necessary. Therefore, in addition to expertise, one should seek multidisciplinary thinking connected with science and reality” – Dr Anny Manrich, PhD.
Professional Experience:
Dr Anny Manrich’s Experience Joining the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, as soon as she completed her doctorate,
Dr Anny Manrich has worked on several projects, including the more than three-year partnership project with BRF, a major food producer in Brazil. As a postdoctoral fellow.
Dr Anny Manrich has also contributed to several business consultancies and research projects of the National Nanotechnology Laboratory System in areas such as food technology, fibres, films and coatings and Nanotechnology; in a very determined way, having a great team relationship, being creative and committed.
Growing concerns about the safe introduction of nanomaterials into today’s life emphasises the need to create regulatory documentation in front of characterising, using and testing them. Dr Anny Manrich worked for two years on a characterization project for nanoscale materials, with the aim of exploring their possible health effects.
Despite not having specific academic training in packaging or polymeric films, Dr Anny Manrich works at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation in areas of edible and biodegradable films produced from agricultural waste and in the development of films with greater resistance to water, having articles published in renowned scientific journals, which demonstrates her multidisciplinary understanding and creativity.
In addition, she worked for four years as a consultant to a food company to develop a line of snacks that are healthy and that add functional ingredients, physiologically active compounds that bring health benefits, made from fruits and vegetables, enabling diet improvement, disease prevention and reduction of nutritional deficiencies.
Dr Anny Manrich participated as a member of the examination board for two Master’s exams and one PhD exam at the Department of Chemical Engineering of the Federal University of São Carlos.
Education:
- 2001 Bachelor in Food Engineering at the State University of Campinas, Brazil
- 1999 One year scholarship at the Technical University of Munich
- 2004 Master in Chemical Engineering at the Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil
- 2012 PhD in Chemical Engineering at the Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil
- 2010 One year scholarship at the Technical University of Munich
The main publications of Dr. Anny Manrich are:
Articles
Manrich, A., Moreira, F. K., Otoni, C. G., Lorevice, M. V., Martins, M. A., & Mattoso, L. H. (2017). Hydrophobic edible films made up of tomato cutin and pectin. Carbohydrate Polymers, 164, 83-91.
Mendes, J. F., Norcino, L. B., Martins, H. H. A., Manrich, A., Otoni, C. G., Carvalho, E. E. N., … & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2020). Correlating emulsion characteristics with the properties of active starch films loaded with lemongrass essential oil. Food Hydrocolloids, 100, 105428.
Norcino, L. B., Mendes, J. F., Natarelli, C. V. L., Manrich, A., Oliveira, J. E., & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2020). Pectin films loaded with copaiba oil nanoemulsions for potential use as bio-based active packaging. Food Hydrocolloids, 106, 105862.
Manrich, Anny, et al. Immobilization of trypsin on chitosan gels: Use of different activation protocols and comparison with other supports. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 43.1 (2008): 54-61.
Manrich, Anny; Komesu, Andrea ; Adriano, Wellington Sabino; Tardioli, Paulo Waldir ; Giordano, Raquel Lima Camargo . Immobilization and Stabilization of Xylanase by Multipoint Covalent Attachment on Agarose and on Chitosan Supports. Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, v. 161, p. 455-467, 2010.
Mendes, J. F., Martins, J. T., Manrich, A., Neto, A. S., Pinheiro, A. C. M., Mattoso, L. H. C., & Martins, M. A. (2019). Development and physical-chemical properties of pectin film reinforced with spent coffee grounds by continuous casting. Carbohydrate polymers, 210, 92-99..
Milessi, T. S., Kopp, W., Rojas, M. J., Manrich, A., Baptista-Neto, A., Tardioli, P. W., … & Giordano, R. L. (2016). Immobilization and stabilization of an endoxylanase from Bacillus subtilis (XynA) for xylooligosaccharides (XOs) production. Catalysis Today, 259, 130-139.
Mendes, J. F., Norcino, L. B., Manrich, A., Pinheiro, A. C. M., Oliveira, J. E., & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2020). Development, physical‐chemical properties, and photodegradation of pectin film reinforced with malt bagasse fibers by continuous casting. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 137(39), 49178.
Mendes, J. F., Martins, J. T., Manrich, A., Luchesi, B. R., Dantas, A. P. S., Vanderlei, R. M., … & Martins, M. A. (2021). Thermo-physical and mechanical characteristics of composites based on high-density polyethylene (HDPE) e spent coffee grounds (SCG). Journal of Polymers and the Environment, 29, 2888-2900..
Mendes, J. F., Norcino, L. B., Martins, H. H., Manrich, A., Otoni, C. G., Carvalho, E. E. N., … & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2021). Development of quaternary nanocomposites made up of cassava starch, cocoa butter, lemongrass essential oil nanoemulsion, and brewery spent grain fibers. Journal of Food Science, 86(5), 1979-1996.
Manrich, A., Martins, M. A., & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2021). Manufacture and performance of peanut skin cellulose nanocrystals. Scientia Agricola, 79.
Nascimento, V. M., Manrich, A., Tardioli, P. W., de Campos Giordano, R., de Moraes Rocha, G. J., & Giordano, R. D. L. C. (2016). Alkaline pretreatment for practicable production of ethanol and xylooligosaccharides. Bioethanol, 2(1)..
Manrich, Anny, de Oliveira, J. E., Martins, M. A., & Mattoso, L. H. C. Physicochemical and Thermal Characterization of the Spirulina platensis. J. Agric. Sci. Technol. B, v. 10, p. 298-307, 2020.
Book Chapter
Terra, I. A. A., Aoki, P. H., Delezuk, J. A. D. M., Martins, M. A., Manrich, A., Silva, M. J., … & Miranda, P. B. (2022). Técnicas de Caracterização de Polímeros. Nanotecnologia Aplicada a Polímeros, 614.
Conference Papers
Ferreira, L. F., Luvizaro, L. B., Manrich, A., Martins, M. A., Júnior, M. G., & Dias, M. V. (2017). Comparação da estabilidade de suspensões poliméricas de amido/tocoferol e quitosana/tocoferol. In: CONGRESSO BRASILEIRO DE POLÍMEROS, 14., 2017, Águas de Lindóia, SP.
Manrich, A., Hubinger, S. Z., & Paris, E. C. (2017). Citotoxicidade causada por nanomateriais: avaliação do micronúcleo. In: WORKSHOP DA REDE DE NANOTECNOLOGIA APLICADA AO AGRONEGÓCIO, 9., 2017, São Carlos. Anais… São Carlos: Embrapa Instrumentação, 2017. p. 655-658.
Manrich, Anny, et al. Immobilization and Stabilization of Xylanase by multipoint covalent attachment on Glyoxyl Agarose Support. The 31st Symposium on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals. 2009.
Manrich, Anny, et al. Application of immobilized xylanase on hydrolysis of soluble wood hemicelluloses after using microwave and organosolv pre-treatments. The 32nd Symposium on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals. 2010.
You can view some of Dr Anny’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Anny-Manrich-2
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=23103497100
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=Ea9qpr0AAAAJ
Linkedin: https://br.linkedin.com/in/anny-manrich-20693129
In this brief guide, we will answer the question, ‘can beef go bad in the freezer,’ and discuss what is the best way to know if frozen beef is bad, and how long can beef stay in the freezer.
Can beef go bad in the freezer?
Yes, beef can go bad in the freezer if it is not stored properly. When you freeze meat, you are essentially killing the bacteria that cause food poisoning and other illnesses. However, if you do not store your meat in an airtight container, then some of these bacteria may still be alive and able to grow again once they thaw out.
If you want to ensure that your beef stays fresh for as long as possible, be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. This will prevent any air from getting in and spoiling your food.
It is also important to make sure that there is enough room inside of your freezer so that the cold air does not circulate around all of your food items at once; this will cause them all to freeze together into one solid block rather than keeping them separated so that they can thaw out individually over time when needed.
What is the best way to know if frozen beef is bad?
There are a few ways to tell if frozen beef is bad:
The first thing to look for is the use-by date on the package. If it has passed, then you should not be using that product.
Next, you can check your beef for sliminess. If it feels slimy or looks slimy, then it is definitely bad and should not be eaten.
If your beef is dry and juice-less, it has likely gone bad. Beef should never be dry when cooked; if yours is dry, then it is likely not safe to eat anymore.
Finally, you should also check your beef for an off-putting smell or flavor. If it smells or tastes funny, then don’t eat it!
How to check for spoiled steak?
Check for spoilage by looking at the color. If the steak has lost its red, or pinkish hue and appears gray or brown, it’s spoiled. The same goes if there’s a thick layer of white on top of the meat.
Feel the texture of the steak with your hands. If it feels slimy to the touch, it’s probably spoiled. You can also use a fork to poke holes in the meat and see if any clear liquid comes out, if so, it’s spoiled!
You can also check for spoilage by sniffing your steak, if it smells weird or sour, it’s probably spoiled and should not be eaten.
How long can beef stay in the freezer?
Beef stays in the freezer for a period of time. The length of time depends on the type of beef and how it was prepared before freezing.
The best way to determine how long your beef will last in the freezer is to follow these tips:
- Always store frozen meat with other frozen foods, not thawed food or room-temperature items.
- Use an airtight container or zip bag with all excess air removed.
- Package meat tightly so that it does not touch other products.
- Keep your freezer at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
Is it safe to eat beef that turns brown in the freezer?
It is safe to eat beef that turns brown in the freezer.
The brown discoloration can be caused by the presence of bacteria, but this is not always the case. In fact, it is more likely that the discoloration is caused by oxidation, which occurs when the proteins in your beef become oxidized and turn brown.
The oxidation process happens naturally as a result of exposure to oxygen and can be prevented by packaging your meat properly before it goes into the freezer.
If you are unsure whether or not your meat has been exposed to bacteria, you should cook it thoroughly before eating it.
What is the best way to freeze beef?
The best way to freeze beef is to store it in the freezer. This is the most efficient way of freezing because it helps keep your food fresh for longer. To freeze beef, you need a vacuum sealer or plastic bags with the air removed. You can also use wax paper to wrap your items in before freezing them.
Freezing beef is a great way to preserve it for long periods of time without losing any of its flavor or nutritional value. However, there are some things that should be considered when freezing beef:
- The best way to freeze beef is by cooking it first and then storing it in the freezer in an airtight container or bag with no air inside (this will prevent bacteria from growing).
- Make sure that all meats are cooked thoroughly before placing them into your freezer so they do not spoil too quickly when stored there for long periods of time (this means that you should cook them at least until medium-rare).
- When thawing frozen meat from its original packaging (or from a freezer bag), make sure that it reaches room temperature before serving it so as not to cause any harmful bacteria from growing on top of your food while still inside its original packaging during preparation/cooking process.
Other FAQs about Beef that you may be interested in.
Can you freeze beef and noodles?
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we have addressed the question “can beef go bad in the freezer,” and other questions about the subject, such as what is the best way to know if frozen beef is bad, and how long can beef stay in the freezer.
Citations
https://www.grillbabygrill.com/how-to-tell-if-frozen-steak-is-bad/
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References
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Hamed, Hammad & Ma, M & Damaka, Awhy & Elkhedir, Abdeen & Jin, G. Effect of Freeze and Re-freeze on Chemical Composition of Beef and Poultry Meat at Storage Period 4.5 Months. (SP4.5). 2019.
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Luong NM, Coroller L, Zagorec M, Membré JM, Guillou S. Spoilage of Chilled Fresh Meat Products during Storage: A Quantitative Analysis of Literature Data. Microorganisms. Aug 6;8(8):1198. 2020.
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Nethra, Perichitala Vasudev, et al. Critical factors affecting the shelf life of packaged fresh red meat–A Review. Measurement: Food: 100086. 2023.
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Rovira P, Brugnini G, Rodriguez J, Cabrera MC, Saadoun A, de Souza G, Luzardo S, Rufo C. Microbiological Changes during Long-Storage of Beef Meat under Different Temperature and Vacuum-Packaging Conditions. Foods.12(4):694. 2023.
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Leygonie, C., Britz, T. J., & Hoffman, L. C. Impact of freezing and thawing on the quality of meat: Review. Meat Science, 91(2), 93–98. 2012.
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Gomes CL, Silva TJ, Pflanzer SB, Bolini HMA. Impact of frozen temperature and thawing methods on the Brazilian sensory profile of Nellore beef. Sci agric (Piracicaba, Braz) [Internet]. 78(6):e20200067. 2021.
