Summary
A woman discovered that T-bone steaks brought by her father-in-law had been frozen since 2014. Despite being safe to eat according to the USDA, the long storage time affected their quality, making them unappetizing. The incident spurred discussions online about food storage, taste degradation, and proper labeling.
Key Facts
- A father-in-law brought frozen meat, including T-bone steaks, found to have been frozen since 2014.
- The USDA states that meat can be safely frozen indefinitely if kept at 0°F.
- Frozen meat's taste and texture can degrade severely with long storage.
- Experts say chemical reactions continue slowly at frozen temperatures, impacting food quality.
- The USDA recommends using uncooked steaks and roasts within 4 to 12 months for the best quality.
- Despite being safe, the woman and her partner chose not to cook the meat.
- Coleman Natural Foods warns freezer burn affects texture, making meat dry and leathery.
- Online reactions included disbelief and humor, with some recalling similar experiences.