How to freeze food you collected
When fresh food collected from a food business is nearing the end of its 'use by' date, and it is not possible to distribute to OLIOers before this date expires, you may freeze it.
But there are some important food safety rules to follow to ensure that food can be safely frozen
1 Only freeze food in its original packaging
2 Only freeze food that has not been previously frozen.
3 Only freeze food on the date of collection.
4 Only freeze food within the 'use by date'.
5 Prior to freezing, cover the existing 'use by' date with a new ‘est before’.
6 Your new 'best before' date must match instructions on the label.
7 The food is completely frozen
8 The description of the food on the OLIO app includes 'Frozen by OLIO'
1 Only freeze food in its original packaging
- Which states 'suitable for freezing' or similar on the label and has instructions on how to use the frozen food (as pictured).
- Important because some foods will spoil during freezing. For example, some foods will discolour and lose their texture and taste when frozen.
2 Only freeze food that has not been previously frozen.
If your business donor says it’s been frozen, or they are unsure – do not refreeze.
- Important because freezing doesn’t kill most bacteria but merely stops them from growing. Many bacteria, including those causing food poisoning, will grow in food during defrosting. If food is frozen and defrosted more than once, there is an increased risk that these bacteria will multiply to dangerous levels.
3 Only freeze food on the date of collection.
- Important because It is best to freeze food as soon as possible to stop the growth of spoilage bacteria on the food.
4 Only freeze food within the ‘use by date’.
- If the ‘use by’ date has expired, the food must be discarded. Foods may be frozen beyond the ‘best before’ date as long as rule 1 is adhered to.
- Important because foods that are marked with a 'use by' date are perishable and are not safe to eat beyond that date.
5 Prior to freezing, cover the existing 'use by' date with a new ‘best before’.
- With a sticky label which states 'This product has been frozen on {enter date of freezing} by {enter YOUR NAME}, ‘best before’: {enter Day/Month}'
- Important because once food is frozen, the original 'use by' date is no longer valid. The freezing will stop the growth of bacteria and so a new 'best before' date can now be added (See rule 6). Adding your name to the label helps to ensure the traceability of the food.
6 The new 'best before' date must match the instructions on the label.
- Normally labels will state 'freeze on date of purchase and store frozen for 1 month' or similar so the new 'best before' will be 1 month from the date of freezing.
- Important because once frozen, foods will not stay in a good condition forever. Typically, there will be chemical changes in the foods during frozen storage which will change the texture, taste and appearance of the food. Manufacturers will provide advice on the food label on how best to store their particular food.
7 The food is completely frozen.
- And remains frozen till it reaches the OLIOer.
- Important because If the food is partially frozen or is allowed to defrost in transit, dangerous bacteria may begin to grow in the warmer parts of the food.
8 The description of the food on the OLIO app includes 'Frozen by OLIO'
- Important because Freezing food collected from food businesses can really help to cut down food waste. OLIOers should be given this information so that they know what they are receiving.