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Nutrition and daily life

Frozen foods — food card: freshness in store

Frozen vegetables, fish, meat and berries are a useful store in winter and on tired days. This card explains how to choose, thaw and safely cook frozen foods.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Frozen food is a useful store
Figure 1.Frozen food is a useful store.

01Short answer

Frozen vegetables, fish and meat keep their vitamins well and are a handy store during treatment. Freezing does not kill germs, so food must be cooked through. During neutropenia do not eat frozen berries raw. Thaw in the fridge and do not refreeze. The freezer should be at −18 °C or colder.

02Simple explanation

Freezing keeps vitamins.

Freezing does not kill germs.

Berries and vegetables: cooked.

Do not refreeze thawed food.

03Scientific explanation

USDA: germs do not multiply at −18 °C but become active again after thawing.

EFSA has described European hepatitis A outbreaks linked to frozen berries; heat treatment lowers the risk.

Thawing: the USDA advises thawing in the fridge, in cold water or in the microwave, never at room temperature.

04What happens in the body?

What can be frozen?

Vegetable mixes, spinach, peas, fish fillets, chicken, meat and portions of cooked meals.

Thaw in the fridge
Figure 2.Thaw in the fridge — Frozen foods — food card: freshness in store

How to thaw

In the fridge, on a plate. Do not leave food on the counter at room temperature.

Beans, peas and carrots steaming in a pan.
Figure 3.Cook frozen vegetables right through.

Cooking

Put vegetables straight into boiling water or a hot pan. Cook meat and fish right through.

Berries

During neutropenia, use them in compote, kissel or baking.

05Frozen food: four steps

Temperature, cook berries, boil, never refreeze.

−18 °C — Check the freezer.1−18 °CCheck the freezer.
Not raw — Compote.2Not rawCompote.
Boil — Hot throughout.3BoilHot throughout.
No refreezing — Use promptly.4No refreezingUse promptly.
StoreEven in winter.
VitaminsKept.
SafetyCook through.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
What can be frozen?Vegetable mixes, spinach, peas, fish fillets, chicken, meat and portions of cooked meals.
How to thawIn the fridge, on a plate. Do not leave food on the counter at room temperature.
CookingPut vegetables straight into boiling water or a hot pan. Cook meat and fish right through.
BerriesDuring neutropenia, use them in compote, kissel or baking.

07Key terms

−18 °C
Safe freezer temperature.
Thawing
Defrosting frozen food.
Hepatitis A
A liver virus spread through food and water.
Norovirus
A virus causing vomiting and diarrhoea.
Neutropenia
Low neutrophils.

08Key points

  • Freezing does not kill germs.
  • Thaw in the fridge.
  • Cook right through.
  • No raw frozen berries (neutropenia).
  • Do not refreeze.

09Frequently asked questions

Are frozen vegetables as good as fresh?

Yes, they often keep their vitamins well.

Can I use frozen berries in smoothies?

Not during neutropenia; use them cooked and ask your doctor.

Can I freeze cooked meals?

Yes: cool quickly, freeze in portions and reheat once, right through.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Are frozen vegetables as good as fresh?

  2. Can I use frozen berries in smoothies?

  3. Can I freeze cooked meals?

My questions

12Sources

  1. USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. Freezing and Food Safety
  2. USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. The Big Thaw — Safe Defrosting Methods
  3. European Food Safety Authority. Hepatitis A virus in frozen berries
  4. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Diet Guidelines for Immunosuppressed Patients
  5. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Food and Nutrition
  6. NIDDK. Eating & Nutrition for Chronic Kidney Disease
  7. NHLBI. DASH Eating Plan
  8. NIDDK. Eating, Diet & Nutrition for Cirrhosis
  9. World Health Organization. Salt reduction fact sheet
  10. CDC. Chicken and Food Poisoning
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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