Venison??

**Naphtali** · 03-21-2018, 01:31 PM

I found perhaps 15 pounds of venison roasts and steaks in a far corner of my big freezer. The freezer is never "off" and always set for long storage. The venison is dated 2013. It was frozen fresh after cleaning and trimming. It has not been "aged." Visually and by opening one of the sealed containers to smell, I detect nothing unusual - that is, these packages appear to contain fresh meat in every respect.

Assuming the meat's taste is not unpalatable, is it safe to eat?

**redhawk0** · 03-21-2018, 01:33 PM

If its never been thawed out...it should be safe. I'd go for it for sure. Its only been 4.5 years....that's not that long.

redhawk

**Elkins45** · 03-21-2018, 01:35 PM

I would be worried about freezer burn if it were wrapped in paper. Otherwise I eat venison that's equally as old all the time, but I vacuum seal mine so the air can't get to it.

**poppy42** · 03-21-2018, 01:49 PM

Nope it’s bad! Real bad!!! You’d better send it to me for proper disposal!!!!!!! Please?????

**Lloyd Smale** · 03-21-2018, 02:35 PM

if it wasn't vacuum packed like elkins said id look it over good for freezer burn and trim off anything questionable but the meat itself isn't going to go bad. Freezer burn is basicaly drying out.

**RED BEAR** · 03-21-2018, 02:53 PM

I have one simple rule as one who has food poisoning . when in doubt throw it out. It may be fine but is it worth trying? Only you can answer that.

**JonB_in_Glencoe** · 03-21-2018, 03:08 PM

Originally Posted by Lloyd Smale

if it wasn't vacuum packed like elkins said id look it over good for freezer burn and trim off anything questionable but the meat itself isn't going to go bad. Freezer burn is basicaly drying out.

Yep, this is what I would do.

Generally you can both see (light colored area) and smell freezer burnt meat...the smell is more of a "stale" type smell, not a rotten smell. It's easy to trim it off.

**Sweetpea** · 03-21-2018, 03:21 PM

We just had some sausage that we found that had been stuck in the freezer in 2011.

It was great!

**waksupi** · 03-21-2018, 03:22 PM

Should be fine. I still have some mastodon in my freezer, and who knows how long THAT has been in there!

**Naphtali** · 03-21-2018, 07:35 PM

Way to put things in perspective, Ric.

Originally Posted by waksupi

Should be fine. I still have some mastodon in my freezer, and who knows how long THAT has been in there!

**lightman** · 03-21-2018, 07:48 PM

I agree, it should be ok. Freezer burn is something to watch for but easily can be trimmed off. I do try to organize the freezer where things don't stay that long. I'm getting where I really like vacuum sealed packaging!

**LUCKYDAWG13** · 03-21-2018, 08:01 PM

Originally Posted by RED BEAR

I have one simple rule as one who has food poisoning . when in doubt throw it out. It may be fine but is it worth trying? Only you can answer that.

I'm with you 100% on this I had food poisoning once a few years ago Oh man was I sick

**Col4570** · 03-21-2018, 08:08 PM

Give neighbours some then observe them for a few days.If all is well enjoy yourself.

Just kidding

**NyFirefighter357** · 03-21-2018, 08:23 PM

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal...afety/CT_Index
Well here is what the USDA says about freezing: Is Frozen Food Safe?
Food stored constantly at 0 °F will always be safe. Only the quality suffers with lengthy freezer storage. Freezing keeps food safe by slowing the movement of molecules, causing microbes to enter a dormant stage. Freezing preserves food for extended periods because it prevents the growth of microorganisms that cause both food spoilage and food borne illness.

**richhodg66** · 03-21-2018, 08:39 PM

Based on what you've described, I'd cook it and eat it.

**Smoke4320** · 03-21-2018, 08:43 PM

Trim and throw away light or grey colored meat otherwise enjoy

**Lloyd Smale** · 03-22-2018, 08:23 AM

want you meat to last. Vacuum pack it and stay away from frost free freezers.

**Naphtali** · 03-22-2018, 08:54 AM

Bingo! We have a winner!

Originally Posted by NyFirefighter357

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal...afety/CT_Index
Well here is what the USDA says about freezing: Is Frozen Food Safe?
Food stored constantly at 0 °F will always be safe. Only the quality suffers with lengthy freezer storage. Freezing keeps food safe by slowing the movement of molecules, causing microbes to enter a dormant stage. Freezing preserves food for extended periods because it prevents the growth of microorganisms that cause both food spoilage and food borne illness.

**Elkins45** · 03-22-2018, 08:55 AM

Originally Posted by Lloyd Smale

want you meat to last. Vacuum pack it and stay away from frost free freezers.

That's been my experience as well. I wouldn't hesitate to eat deer I packed in 2013.

**Thumbcocker** · 03-22-2018, 08:59 AM

Want your meat to last put it in jars and pressure can it.

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