42043gb.fm5 Page 13 Thursday, May 4, 2000 12:10 PM
FREEZING FOOD
FREEZING OF FRESH FOODS
� Place foods to be frozen in direct contact with the walls of the freezer, as shown in the adjacent figure: A) - foods to be frozen, B) - foods already frozen. Avoid placing foods to be frozen in direct contact with food already frozen. For best and fastest freezing, foods should be split into small portions; this will also be useful when the frozen items are to be used.
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A
B
FOOD STORAGE
For storing fresh frozen foods, refer to the adjacent table. MONTHS FOOD
CLASSIFICATION OF FROZEN FOODS
Put the frozen products into the freezer and classify them. The storage date should be indicated on the packs, to allow use within expiry dates.
ADVICE FOR STORING FROZEN FOOD
When you purchase frozen food: � Make sure that the packaging is not damaged (frozen food in damaged packaging may have deteriorated). Ensure also that the package is not swollen and that there are no liquid stains indicating that the product may have thawed partially during its period of storage. When shopping, leave frozen food purchases till last and transport the products in a thermally insulated bag. Once at home, place the frozen foods immediately in the freezer. Avoid subjecting foods to temperature variations. Observe the �best before� date on the package. Always observe the storage information on the package.
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Attention: Eat fully or partially defrosted foods immediately. Do not refreeze unless the food is cooked after it has thawed. Once cooked, the food can be refrozen. If there is a long power failure: � do not open the freezer lid except to place ice packs (if available) over the frozen foods on the right and left of the freezer. This will slow down the rise in temperature.
