Can You Eat Frozen Food After the Best-Before Date?
Written by Jordan Morley · Reviewed against FSA date labelling guidance · Last updated 28 October 2026
Frozen food is safe indefinitely at -18°C — the best-before date marks when quality (texture, flavour) starts declining, not when it becomes unsafe.
Why it's usually fine past the date
At -18°C bacteria cannot grow, so continuously frozen food never becomes unsafe with time — freezer dates are pure quality guidance, marking when freezer burn and texture loss start to show. The safety questions with frozen food are all about the edges of freezing: was it frozen before its use-by date, and is it defrosted safely (in the fridge) and used within 24 hours?
You can also check the calorie content of frozen food alongside its safety information.
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Common questions
Does frozen food go off?
Not while it stays at -18°C or colder. Bacteria can't grow, so the date is about quality. Over time freezer burn dries out the surface and flavour drops.
Is freezer-burnt food safe?
Yes. The grey-white dry patches are quality damage, not a safety risk. Cut them off if they are unpleasant.
Can I eat frozen food that has partly thawed?
If it still has ice crystals or is cold to the touch (5°C or below), it can be refrozen, though the quality may drop (USDA), or cooked and eaten. If it has been warm for more than a couple of hours, throw it away.
What if my freezer was off for a while?
Keep the door closed, and once power is back, check each item. Food that was fully thawed and above 5°C for more than 2 hours should be thrown away; anything with ice crystals is generally fine.
What is the difference between use-by and best-before?
Use-by is about safety: do not eat after it. Best-before is about quality. Frozen foods carry the second, with a different rule once defrosted: use within 24 hours.
Related answers
Primary source: FSA date labelling guidance.
General information only, not medical advice: see the medical disclaimer. Feeling unwell after eating something? Contact NHS 111 or your GP.