How long can you keep ground beef in the freezer?
Just to give some context: I recently thawed and cooked some grass-fed burgers made from ground beef that I had frozen since around November. Unfortunately, my stomach didn’t handle it well, and I ended up feeling nauseous and vomiting—I’m pretty sure it was from food poisoning. I also ate cheese tortellini and some fresh air-fried sweet potato fries.
Do you think it was the beef that caused this? What are your thoughts?
Ground beef can typically be stored in the freezer for about 3-4 months for the best quality, although it’s still safe to eat beyond that time if it has been stored properly. Since your ground beef has been frozen since November and you thawed it for cooking today, it may have exceeded the ideal time for quality, but it shouldn’t have caused food poisoning if it was frozen continuously at 0°F (-18°C).
However, if there were any issues with the beef before freezing (like improper handling, contamination, or if it was slightly thawed and refrozen), that could lead to foodborne illness. Also, make sure to cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to kill any harmful bacteria.
It’s possible that the other foods you consumed might also have contributed to your upset stomach, but if the issue started right after eating the burgers, it could be related to the beef. If your symptoms persist or worsen, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare professional. Stay safe!
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