• That chicken has been in the freezer for ages? Is it still safe to eat?raw chicken in the wooden tray isolated on white image by Elnur from Fotolia.com
  
  

Frozen Foods Should Keep Indefinitely

• Freezing foods is a wonderful way of preserving them. Freezing slows the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that spoil food. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a whole chicken, placed in the freezer while fresh and kept at 0 degrees Fahrenheit, will be safe to eat indefinitely.
  
  

Be Wary of Freezer Burn

• Chicken, if kept in the freezer too long, may lose flavor and texture due to freezer burn. When food is frozen, it can lose water molecules, causing it to become dehydrated. When water is lost, the food can change in flavor and its texture. This is freezer burn. The longer they're kept frozen, the more susceptible chicken and most foods are to freezer burn.
  
  

Bottom Line

• Though a frozen whole chicken may be safe to eat, it may not taste or look too fresh if stored in the freezer for too long. The U.S. Food and Drug Amdministration suggests using a frozen whole chicken within one year.