How long can frozen and fresh meats safely be kept together in a small chest freezer that is not turned on?

Frozen and fresh meats should not be kept together in a chest freezer that is not turned on, even for a short period.

When a freezer is turned off, the temperature inside the freezer will rise, and the frozen meat will begin to thaw. As the frozen meat thaws, it will release juices that can come into contact with the fresh meat, potentially contaminating it with harmful bacteria.

Additionally, the temperature fluctuations inside the freezer can cause the frozen meat to refreeze and then thaw again, which can further compromise the safety and quality of the meat.

To ensure the safety of your food, it is recommended that you keep frozen and fresh meats separate and store them in a freezer that is turned on and maintaining a proper temperature (0 degrees Fahrenheit or below).