Oops- freezer door was left ajar overnight and morning

14 years ago

The freezer door had jars and jars of sauces (not sterilized). Everything on the top had probably reached 50-60 degrees, while the sstuff on the bottom was still half frozen. What should I do? Toss everything out? Re-freeze everything and hope nothing happens? Sterilize everything in boiling water and re-freeze? Nothing had meat in it. As for the main compartment of the freezer, I think most of the items were near 32 F.

Thanks...

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Comments (8)

ekgrows
14 years ago
Was the sauce still partially frozen?

If it was, I PERSONALLY would just re-freeze, and make sure to boil the sauce before eating it. Of course - that is just my opinion.

I had something similar happen last year. Everything was still mostly frozen, so I just pushed the door shut, and pretended like it never happened.........
digdirt2
14 years ago
Yeah ultimately it is going to be your choice, your level of risk to take. Technically speaking, you should pitch them but realistically it's your choice.

What kind of sauces? Highly acid things I'd probably re-freeze but mark as needing cooking prior to serving. Things that were still mostly frozen I'd probably keep and mark the same. Anything else I'd pitch since "hoping nothing happens" just isn't my thing. Too much risk for me.

Consider is as the cost of a lesson learned and do what is needed to make sure it doesn't happen again.

Dave
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catherinet
14 years ago
What was in your sauces?
DrHorticulture_
Original Author
14 years ago
Hi,
Thanks for the replies. All the sauces were tomato and vegetable-based. All moderately acid by fortification with lemon juice but not to the extent recommended for typical canning.
kathy_in_washington
14 years ago
Oh shoot! Now I have one more thing to check before I retire for the night: lock the doors; make certain doggie is tucked away for the night; check that the gas stove is turned off ... and now, I have to double check the doors on the refrigerator and freezer! Actually, I'd be more concerned about the foods in the freezer thawing out than I would about the doors to the house being locked! We've all worked hard to prepare and freeze everything in the freezer ... and I don't think anyone reall wants to break into our home.

So sorry for your loss -- although I hope you just tough it out and keep everything, being careful, of course, as you consume it. Do you have any enemies you can invite over for a meal? If so, you can have them taste the food first. Just a thought ...

Kathy
Linda_Lou
14 years ago
Unless the foods were less than 40 degrees in temp. you should toss them. Otherwise you will have bacterial growth. If the foods still are really cold and have ice crystals then you can refreeze them.
I would not chance it with the food that was too warm. It can make you have major intestinal issues. Depends upon if you feel risking this is worth the price of some food.
catherinet
14 years ago
I think I would keep them, since they were all veggies. And wouldn't the re-freezing of them kill anything bad?
How long do you think the door was open?
My freezer has this great alarm that goes off if the temp goes below a certain point.
Also (and I've done this when I'm having a big party and my fridge is just too full)......you can put a big piece of tape to keep the door closed. With your freezer, you would get in the habit of making sure the door was closed, if you have to tape it each time.
digdirt2
14 years ago
And wouldn't the re-freezing of them kill anything bad?

No Catherinet, freezing in a home freezer doesn't kill bacteria. Not cold enough. It only suspends the growth. In fact research scientists store bacterial cultures frozen to keep them suspended for later use.

Now if you lived in Antarctica and buried it deeply for long enough some of it might die. ;)

Dave

Oops- freezer door was left ajar overnight and morning

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ekgrows

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Oops- freezer door was left ajar overnight and morning

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