ThanksMeat that’s been frozen for almost two years and had compromised packaging is risky, even if it looks okay.
Here’s the safe, practical answer:
✅ Is it safe?
Most likely NOT safe to eat.
Here’s why:
1. Time in the freezer
- Frozen meat is technically safe indefinitely only if packaging is airtight and freezer temperature is stable.
- But 2 years is far beyond recommended quality limits.
- Even if it’s safe from bacteria, the quality (taste/texture) will be very poor.
2. Packaging was compromised
If the packaging was torn or punctured:
- The meat could have been exposed to air and freezer burn.
- Freezer burn doesn’t always make meat unsafe, but it does mean:
- dryness
- off flavors
- possible bacterial contamination if it thawed and refroze
3. Thawing smell check
A smell test is helpful, but not foolproof.
- Some spoilage bacteria don’t create a strong smell.
- Also, freezer burn can make it smell “off” even if it’s not dangerous.
⚠️ The most important rule:
If packaging was compromised and it’s been frozen 2 years → discard it.
Even if it “looks okay,” it’s not worth the risk.
🔍 Quick check if you still want to decide (but I wouldn’t recommend it)
If you thaw it, check for:
- Strong sour smell
- Slimy texture
- Discoloration (gray/green)
- Excessive ice crystals or freezer burn
But again — packaging compromised + 2 years = toss it.
What I would do instead
- Buy fresh meat (or properly vacuum-sealed frozen)
- If you want long freezer life: vacuum seal + freeze at 0°F or below