Freezer Storage
Keep your freezer at zero degrees (0°) or below to maintain the quality of frozen foods.
Most foods to maintain good quality longer if the freezer temperature is -10 to -20°F. At temperatures between 0 and 32°F, food deteriorates store frozen foods for the maximum suggested time if your freezing unit cannot maintain zero degree temperatures will more rapidly. Fluctuating temperatures, such as those in self-defrosting freezers, also may damage food quality. Do not plan. Even foods stored properly will lose color, texture, flavor and nutritional quality but will not cause food-borne illness.
Freezer temperatures, however, do not destroy pathogenic or spoilage microorganisms, which will begin growing under warmer temperature conditions. When frozen foods are thawed at room temperature, the surface of the food warms enough for microorganisms to grow and multiply.