How to safely share and receive frozen food

Freezing acts as a ‘pause button’ on the shelf life of food. So, if the food is suitable for freezing, it’s a great way to help more food get redistributed.

When freezing food

Only freeze items that are "suitable for freezing"
- Look out for the ❄️ instructions on the label
- Whole ingredients (fruit, veg, meat, fish) will not be labelled and can be frozen
Demonstrate the date that the food was frozen.
For food carrying a ‘Use By’ date, demonstrate that the freezing took place before midnight of the use-by date.
- Re-label this food with a new 'Best Before' date which will be the day that it is frozen.
- Store food frozen for up to 1 month.
Ensure that the food is in an acceptable condition and suitable for freezing (e.g. as indicated by the manufacturer’s instructions).
Ensure the food is frozen all the way through to the core.
Supply information relating to the food and its freezing to the requester – including information about when the product was frozen and instructions for defrosting and cooking

When receiving frozen food

Once received, frozen food can be in transit for 1.5 hours and should be thawed in the refrigerator until completely defrosted and used within 24 hours.
Follow manufacturer's cooking instructions if available

Source: WRAP redistribution & labelling