Can leaving meat in a freezer for too long cause food poisoning?

No. The low temperatures in a freezer prevent bacteria from growing to reproduce. Food can be stored in the freezer for months or even years and be safe to eat. However, the quality and texture of the food may diminish over time. The USDA recommends following these guidelines for storing meat and poultry in the freezer:

- Whole cuts of beef, veal, lamb, and pork: Up to 12 months

- Ground meat: Up to 3 to 4 months

- Poultry (whole): Up to 1 year

- Poultry (pieces): Up to 9 months

It's important to properly wrap and store the meat in the freezer to maintain its quality and prevent freezer burn.