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| How long will food keep at 10F (-12C), the temperature of the freezer compartment above the refrigerator? | to Top |
Do not expect food stored in this manner to remain top quality for the recommended storage times. Those times assume temperatures at least as low as 0F (-18C). The exact length foods can be stored at higher temperatures varies with the packaging, pretreatments, and quality expectations of the householder. Each household will be able to make these detrminations through experience.
Microbial growth is not possible so food remains safe, but browning reactions and reactions that produce off-flavors and off-doors will continue. The quality is poorer than at 0F (-18C), and the longer the storage time, the more quality deteriorates. However, this is the freezing condition at which much household food is tored and families routinely consume it without noticing quality defects.
VanGarde, Shirley J. and Margy Woodburn. 1994. Food Preservation and Safety. Principles and Practice. Iowa State Press, Ames Iowa.,, p. 104
Updated: Saturday, December 29, 2007.
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