Food preservation

[naguere]

my son in Australia has bought this machine:http://www.sunbeam.com.au/products/kitchen/vs7000/

and thinks that by packing his bacon/sausage meat and anything else using this device , that the contents will keep in good condition for a long time without freezing /chilling or in fact doing anything to them.

Please advise .

[nibor]

From http://www.foodsaver.com/faqs.aspx?fgid=31

To preserve foods safely, it is critical that you maintain low temperatures. You can significantly reduce the growth of microorganisms at temperatures of 40°F (4°C) or below. Freezing at 0°F (-17°C) does not kill microorganisms, but stops them from growing. For long-term storage, always freeze perishable foods that have been vacuum packaged.

It is important to note that vacuum packaging is not a substitute for canning and it cannot reverse the deterioration of foods. It can only slow down the changes in quality. It is difficult to predict how long foods will retain their top-quality flavor, appearance or texture because it depends on age and condition of the food on the day it was vacuumed packaged.

IMPORTANT:Vacuum packaging is NOT a substitute for refrigeration or freezing. Any perishable foods that require refrigeration must still be refrigerated or frozen after vacuum packaging.

Edited April 22, 2013 by nibor (log)

[Snadra]

I have a smaller version of this machine (also in Australia) and the instructions are pretty specific that the vacuum saver is not a substitute for refrigeration of perishable goods.

[naguere]

I must apologise, I misread a badly drafted email from son.

This device is used prior to freezing/chilling food.

(I feel quite silly, but was panicking)

thanks for responses.