Preview only show first 10 pages with watermark. For full document please download

Operating Instructions

   EMBED


Share

Transcript

Operating Instructions for the FF 6-6853 Fridge Freezer 95.63.576.02 Please read these Operating Instructions carefully before switching on your Fridge Freezer for the first time. They are brief and contain only information which will help you to obtain the best results from your appliance. Take care of this booklet and all accessories supplied with this unit. Safety Instructions Electrical Requirements ................. 4 Installing your Fridge Freezer Installation ................................... 5-6 Before use ...................................... 5 Since this appliance contains a flammable gas (Isobutane R600a) as a refrigerant, special care should be taken with transport, placing and installation. Do not use mechanical tools or other artificial ways of speeding up defrosting than those recommended by the manufacturer. The unit must only be serviced by a qualified service centre. NOTES Introduction ..................................... 3 Technical Data ................................. 3 WARNING! HOME FREEZING CONTENTS Introduction and Technical Data Getting to know the Controls Getting to know the Controls .......... 7 How to use your Fridge Freezer Operating the Fridge Freezer ........ 8 Fridge Section (Auto Defrost) ........ 8 Cabinet facilities ............................. 9 Freezer Section ............................ 11 Freezing Fresh Foods .................. 11 Thawing Frozen Foods ................ 11 Maintenance and Cleaning .......... 13 Defrosting the Freezer ................. 12 Maintenance and Cleaning .......... 13 Power Failure ............................... 13 If the Appliance Fails to Operate . 13 Operating Characteristics ............ 13 Door Reversal Door Reversal .............................. 14 Do’s and Don’ts Do’s and Don’ts ............................ 16 Home Freezing Brief Guide to Home Freezing 17-19 2 19 Brief guide to Home Freezing Storage time Blanching time Asparagus Up to 6 months Use fresh, firm, white, non-expanded heads, straight, unstringy stalks. Pare and cut. 2-4 minutes according to size. Select tender pods. Snip ends and cut into 1“ lengths or slice lengthways. 3 minutes Shell pods and blanch beans for 2 minutes Select compact heads. Wash thoroughly. Soak for 30 minutes in salt water before blanching. Separate heads into 1" pieces. 3 minutes. Wash and trim off outer leaves. Soak 3 minutes in salt water before blanching. 5 minutes Wash well and scrape. Cut into slices or dice. If small, carrots may be left whole. 3 minutes Cut into serving pieces. Soak in salt water for 30 minutes. Rinse well. 4 minutes Wash pods well before removing peas. Process as quickly as possible. 2 minutes Wash well and peel. Dice into 1/2" cubes or split lengthways. Remove core. Cubes 2 minutes, slices 3 minutes Strip off leaves. Small cobs 4 minutes, medium 6 minutes Beans Green Up to 6 months Broad Up to 6 months Broccoli Up to 6 months Brussel sprouts Up to 6 months Carrots Up to 6 months Cauliflower Up to 6 months Peas Up to 6 months Parsnips Up to 6 months Sweetcorn Up to 6 months Thank you for purchasing a model from the Scandinova range which has been designed using the very latest advances in refrigeration technology to promote energy efficiency and protect the environment. There are therefore no harmful CFCs in the refrigerant or insulation. Before operating this appliance, please read the following instructions carefully, as they cover the basic information for safety of installation, operation and maintenance. TECHNICAL DATA Vegetables Technical Data FF 6-6853 Gross Capacity: Fridge (cu ft) ...................................................................................... 6.8 Freezer (cu ft) ..................................................................................... 5.3 Height (mm) ........................................................................................... 1860 Width (mm) ............................................................................................ 600 Depth (mm) ............................................................................................ 595 Fuse ....................................................................................................... 13 Amp Energy consumption: kWh/24hrs .......................................................... 1,29 Freezing Capacity: (kg/24hrs) ............................................................... 15 This appliance meets the provisions of the following directives: 89/336/EEC (electromagnetic compatibility), 73/23/EEC (electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits) as amended. Household appliances sold in the EU also meet 96/57/EEC (energy efficiency requirements) as amended. Our policy is one of continuous development and for this reason we reserve the right to change specifications without prior notice. BLANCHING: This process is simply the placing of a small quantity of fruit or vegetables in a large quantity of hot water. Proceed as follows: Bring to the boil about a gallon of water for each 450-500 g (1-1 1/2 Ibs) of produce. Place produce in a square of muslin, a wire basket or a colander and lower them into the boiling water. Agitate to ensure even heat. When water returns to the boil, start counting the blanching time. When freezing liquids or produce packed in a liquid, remember to leave “head” space for expansion which takes place during freezing. 18 DISPOSAL OF THE APPLIANCE This appliance contains materials which are recyclable. When disposing of the appliance you can contact your local authority technical department, which will inform you of how collection and recycling of the appliances takes place in the local authority area. 3 Safety information Electrical requirements Check that the voltage stamped on the rating plate of your machine corresponds with your house electricity supply. Your machine is already fitted with a plug incorporating a 13 amp fuse. If it does not fit your socket the plug should be cut off from the mains lead and an appropriate plug fitted. Carefully dispose of the cut off plug after removing the fuse; do not insert it in a 13 amp socket elsewhere in the house as this could cause the hazard of electric shocks. With alternative plugs not incorporating a fuse the circuit must be protected with a 15 amp fuse. The mains lead may only be replaced by a mains lead supplied by the supplier. WARNING - THIS APPLIANCE MUST BE EARTHED. Important Should an alternative plug need to be fitted, the wires in this mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following code: ENSURE THAT YOUR MACHINE IS CONNECTED CORRECTLY. Socket outlets are not permitted in bathrooms, neither should any provision be made for connecting movable electrical appliances. No stationary appliance is to be installed within reach of a person using the bath or shower. IMPORTANT! In case of damage to the power cord it must be replaced by a power cord of corresponding type, available from the manufacturer or his service representative. Earth Green & Yellow Fuse 13 amp Neutral Blue Live Brown Green & Yellow – Earth Blue – Neutral Brown – Live As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this appliance may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows: 4 Figure 1 Brief guide to Home Freezing DO'S AND DON'TS SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS This information is provided in the interest of your safety. Please read the following carefully before carrying out the installation or use of the appliance. • If you are discarding an old freezer with a lock or catch fitted to the lid/door, ensure that the appliance is left in a safe condition to prevent the entrapment of young children. • This appliance must only be used for its intended purpose i.e. the storing of domestic edible foodstuffs. • The wire which is coloured green and yellow must be connected to the terminal in the plug which is marked with the letter »E« or by the earth symbol or coloured green or green and yellow. • The wire which is coloured blue must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter »N« or coloured black. • The wire which is coloured brown must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter »L« or coloured red. If a moulded plug is present, the fuse cover must be refitted when changing the fuse using a 13 amp ASTA approved fuse to BS 1362. In the event of losing the fuse cover, the plug must NOT be used until a replacement fuse cover has been obtained and fitted. A new fuse cover can be obtained from your nearest electrical dealer. The colour of the correct replacement fuse cover is that of the coloured marks on the base of the plug. Fresh meat Storage time Defrosting time Approx 2 hours per 13 mm/1/2" depth Approx 2-4 hours Approx 1-2 hours Approx 1 1/4 hours per 13 mm/1/2" depth Approx 2-4 hours Approx 2-4 hours per 13 mm/1/2" depth Approx 2-4 hours Approx 1 1/4 hours per 13 mm/1/2" depth Beef Joints Up to 12 months Pork Steak Mince Joints Up to 6 months Up to 6 months Up to 6 months Lamb Cutlets Joints Up to 6 months Up to 12 months Veal Cutlets Joints Up to 6 months Up to 9 months Whole Portions Whole Portions Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Poultry Chickens Turkey Duck Goose Pheasant 6 months 6 months 6 months 6 months 6 months 3-4 months 6 months Approx 24 hours in a fridge Approx 4-6 hours in a fridge Approx 2-3 days in a fridge Approx 4-6 hours in a fridge Approx 24 hours in a fridge Approx 24-36 hours in a fridge Approx 10-12 hours in a fridge Fish Trout Up to 3 months Salmon Up to 3 months White fish Oily fish Prawns / Shrimps Up to 3 months Up to 2 months Up to 1 month Fruit Apples Up to 12 months Blackberries/ Raspberries Up to 12 months Black / Red currants Up to 12 months Strawberries Up to 12 months Approx 5 hours in a fridge or 1 1/2 hours in kitchen Approx 24 hours for whole fish in a fridge May be cooked frozen May be cooked frozen Approx 1-2 hours in a fridge Approx 4 hours at room temperature Approx 3-4 hours at room temperature or overnight in fridge Approx 3-4 hours at room temperature or overnight in fridge Approx 3-4 hours at room temperature or overnight in fridge 17 DO NOT position next to a heat source, e.g. cooker, boiler etc. DO NOT alter or modify the design specifications of the appliance in any way. DO NOT allow young children to tamper or play with the controls of the appliance. DO NOT attempt to repair the appliance yourself, any servicing or maintenance must only be undertaken by suitably qualified personnel. DO NOT place carbonated or fizzy drink in the freezer as the container may explode when frozen. DO NOT store explosive substances in the appliance e.g. gas lighter canisters. DO NOT re-freeze frozen food once it has been thawed out, unless it has been cooked first. DO NOT freeze liquids in a narrow-necked container (e.g. a bottle). Position the appliance and allow to stand for 10 to 12 hours before it is turned on for the first time to allow the system to settle. INSTALLING YOUR FRIDGE FREEZER DO unplug the appliance from the mains supply before carrying out cleaning. DO take care when moving the appliance as it is heavy. There are roller wheels at the rear. DO allow the appliance to stand for ten to twelwe hours before it is turned on for the first time to allow the system to settle. DO follow the food manufacturers storage recommendations indicated on the packaging. DO allow adequate air ventilation to the appliance as failure to do so could result in reduced performance or premature component failure (see installation, page 4). HOME FREEZING DOOR REVERSAL Installation Do's and Don'ts Install the cabinet in a dry place and so that it is not exposed to direct sunlight or any other source of heat, e.g. cooker, boiler etc.. Any unevenness of the floor should be corrected prior to installation, slight unevenness can be overcome by adjusting the two feet fitted to the front edge of the cabinet base panel. To adjust the feet, first remove the kick panel using a coin (figure 2) and adjust the feet as required using the larger, 4 mm Allen key provided. (figure 3c). NOTE: If the appliance is positioned on a carpet, soft floor covering or a wooden floor, you should re-adjust the feet once the appliance has had time to settle. C Figure 2 Figure 3 Before use 16 Remove all packing materials and wash the interior of the appliance using lukewarm water containing a little bicarbonate of soda in the proportion of 1 teaspoon to 1.2 litres (2 pints) of water. Do not use detergents or soap as they may taint the food. After cleaning, dry all parts thoroughly. 5 NOTE: Care must be taken when opening the door(s) against a wall so as not to damage the door(s) or handle(s). Please note that decor panels cannot be fitted to your Scandinova appliance. ➀ ➈ ➄ ➈ ➁ ➂ When positioning your Scandinova appliances side by side, a distance of 5 cm (2 inches) is required between the appliances to allow sufficient air flow. For this reason it is also necessary to allow 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) space above the appliance (see figs. 4a and 4b) or ensure that an air duct will allow warm air to escape around cupboards above (see fig. 4c). When positioning the cabinet next to an adjacent wall ensure that there is sufficient space for the door(s) to open in order to pull any baskets out of the unit (see fig. 4d). 600 100 100 600 Fig 4b. 100 Fig 4a. ➃ ➅ ➆ 10 50 6 ➇ Fig 4c. DOOR REVERSAL INSTALLING YOUR FRIDGE FREEZER Your fridge freezer can be positioned between kitchen cabinets (see fig. 4a) or placed side by side with a matching Scandinova larder fridge, freezer or fridge freezer (see fig. 4b). Fig 4d. min. 635 15 Getting to know the Controls The doors can be changed from right-hinged to left-hinged or vice versa in the following way: The control panel (figure 5) is located on the front of the appliance, being visible only with the fridge door open. As a safety feature therefore, the controls can only be adjusted whilst the door is open. The controls are as follows: 1. Lamp for the refrigerator section. 2. Thermostat knob for the refrigerator section. 3. Thermostat knob for the freezer section. 4. Mains indicator light (green). 5. Fast freeze indicator light (yellow). 6. Fast freeze switch. 7. Fridge thermometer. 8. Freezer temperature warning light (red). 1) 2) Remove the upper hinge. This will later be used as the upper hinge on the opposite side. Lift off the upper door. On appliances with a door closer on the upper door, this door closer should be removed and remounted on the opposite side. 5) 6) Remove the screws in the middle of the new hinge side. Mount the bottom door and screw on the middle hinge. Mount the upper door and screw on the upper hinge. Adjusting the bottom door: Loosen the 3 screws in the bottom hinge and push the bottom hinge to the required side. Tighten the screws and mount the kick plate panel. Mains Indicator Light (green) The light remains illuminated as long as the appliance is connected to the electricity supply, and switched on. Thermostats The fridge and freezer thermostats control the temperature within the within the respective sections and can be adjusted from setting 0 (STOP) to 7 (COLDEST). 7) 3) Remove the middle hinge. Lift off the bottom door. Replace the hinge screws. 8) 4) Remove the kick plate panel a) Only for appliances with a door closer on the bottom door. The door closer is moved to the second hole.. The kick plate panel is mounted and the hole plugs are mounted on the opposite side. Adjusting the upper door: Loosen the screws in the hinge above the door and turn the hinge to the required side. Tighten the screws. Fridge Thermometer The thermometer indicates the internal temperature within the fridge. A normal fridge temperature should be between + 2°C and + 5°C, but may rise or fall due to the factors listed under the heading » Fridge Section«. b) 14 The bottom hinge is dismounted at the 3 screws. The hinge is turned 900 and mounted on the opposite side of the cabinet. This light will illuminate whenever there is a rise in temperature in the freezer compartment above the safe storage condition. It is quite normal for the light to flash temporarily if: a Large quantities of food are introduced into the cabinet. b The freezer door is left open for excessive periods. c Periodically during the automatic defrost cycle the red light may flash for short periods. The light will go out when the internal temperature has returned to safe storage condition. NOTE: When the freezer is switched on for the first time, or is switched on after being unused for a period of time, the red light may start to flash after approximately 40 minutes. The light will remain flashing until the internal temperature reaches safe storage conditions. Fast Freeze Switch This switch puts the freezer into the FAST freeze mode. In this condition the freezer will quickly freeze fresh produce ensuring that it will be kept in the best condition. Fridge Internal Light Fast Freeze Indicator Light (yellow) The light will switch on/off automatically whenever the fridge door is opened/closed. This light will illuminate whenever the FAST freeze switch is switched to the ON position. 8 9) Freezer Temperature Warning Indicator Light (red) 6 4 Move the handle. The covering plugs for the handle holes are mounted. 7 GETTING TO KNOW THE CONTROLS DOOR REVERSAL Changing the hinge side 1 3 2 ! 0 I S S ..-10.....-20.....-30.. 0 1 7 0 1 7 2 6 2 6 5 3 4 5 3 4 5 Figure 5 7 Fridge Section (Auto Defrost) Maintenance and Cleaning Power Failure (freezer) Plug the appliance into a suitable 13 amp socket, do not use adaptors or a socket that is used for other appliances. Turn both the fridge and freezer thermostat knobs to position 5. The fridge is designed for the short term storage of fresh food and drinks. The interior of the fridge should be cleaned periodically. Turn off at the thermostat and wipe with a clean cloth using a solution of warm water containing 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda to 1.2 litres (2 pints) of water. All surfaces should be dried thoroughly using a clean dry cloth. Turn the thermostat back on. In the event of a power failure, providing that the door is kept closed, the food will keep frozen at a safe temperature for up to 12 hours. Extra protection can be given by covering the freezer with thick blankets. Where the power failure is in excess of 12 hours the food should be checked before the mains supply is re-connected to ensure that it has not defrosted. DO NOT re-freeze defrosted food. A normal freezer storage temperature of – 18°C is recommended for most foods. A normal fridge storage temperature is between + 2°C and + 5°C. The built-in thermometer will assist you to maintain the correct temperature. The internal temperature of both fridge and freezer sections is maintained automatically by the thermostats and in most conditions, with the thermostat knobs set to position 5, the sections will approximately maintain these temperatures. To ensure that the correct internal cabinet temperature is maintained, it is recommended that the thermometer is checked regularly and the thermostat adjusted if the temperature is outside the recommended temperature range. However, the internal temperature and thermostat setting is dependent on a number of factors: 1 2 3 4 IF, HOWEVER, THE APPLIANCE IS OPERATING WHERE THE CONDITIONS ARE SUCH THAT THE APPLIANCE HAS TO WORK HARDER, E.G. HIGH ROOM TEMPERATURE, POOR VENTILATION OR THE DOOR BEING FREQUENTLY OPENED, IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO ADJUST THE THERMOSTAT TO A HIGHER SETTING. To obtain a lower internal temperature, turn the control knobs clockwise to a higher number. To increase the temperature turn the control anti-clockwise to a lower number. Varying room temperatures. The number of times the fridge door is opened and the length of time the door is left open. The amount and temperature of fresh food and drink introduced into the fridge. The weather conditions and the time of year e.g. summer/winter. Never place hot or warm foods in the cabinet or leave the door open for longer than necessary, as this will raise the temperature and cause excessive amounts of moisture thus increasing the amount of defrost water. Defrosting is carried out automatically every time the compressor stops. The defrost water drains from the cabinet onto a tray placed on the top of the compressor where it evaporates. Food should be tightly wrapped with foil or plastic film or bags or stored in bags or airtight containers. This will prevent food from dehydrating, and prevent the strong smell of some foods transferring to milder ones. Do not cover the shelves with any protective material such as aluminium foil as this may obstruct the air circulation through the cabinet. NEVER use detergents, soap or abrasive powders as they may damage the interior lining or leave an odour which may contaminate the food. The exterior should be wiped with a damp cloth, containing a small amount of detergent, but avoid contact with the door gaskets. A small amount of wax car polish or silicone polish can be applied to maintain the exterior finish of the cabinet. If the fridge section is to be left out of use for any length of time, it should be switched off (turn thermostat to zero) and the interior and accessories thoroughly cleaned and the doors left open to allow air circulation. The front kick panel can be removed to enable cleaning under the appliance. The freezer compartment is designed with a totally frost-free system and therefore does not need to be defrosted. Defrosting is completely automatic and the freezer will switch itself on and off as required. However, it may be necessary periodically to clean the inside of the freezer. This is best undertaken when the freezer is nearly empty. Remove the food packages and wrap in thick blankets or newspaper to keep them cold. Store in boxes and if available place frozen freezer packs in the box with the food, and keep in a cool place. Clean the freezer section in the same way as the fridge and ensure the surfaces are dried properly. Turn the thermostat back on and replace the food once the temperature in the freezer is sufficiently reduced. Operating Characteristics 8 When the appliance is in operation, the outside of the cabinet will become warm and may even feel hot to the touch. This is quite normal and indicates that the appliance is operating correctly. If the Appliance should fail to Operate To avoid needless service calls, before calling for assistance please check the following points: l l l l l Is the plug correctly in the socket and the socket switched on? Check the supply by plugging in another appliance! Has the fuse blown in the plug? Try changing the fuse! Is there a power failure? Switch on the house lights! Are the wires in the mains plug correctly connected? Is the thermostat turned to the correct setting? Stop the compressor by turning the thermostat to zero or unplug the appliance. Leave the appliance for 1 hour and turn the compressor on again. By doing this all the electronic compressor protections are reset. HOW TO USE YOUR FRIDGE FREEZER HOW TO USE YOUR FRIDGE FREEZER Operating the Fridge Freezer Having checked all these points and the appliance still does not work properly contact your nearest Comet Service Centre or Store. DO NOT attempt to repair the appliance yourself, as to do so could be hazardous to you or others. NOTE: If there is a short power failure or the unit is switched off momentarily, it is common for the compressor to be unable to start for up to 1 hour after the power failure due to the compressor protector. 13 Defrosting the Freezer Large amounts of frost act as an insulator and prevent the very low temperature within the freezer from reaching the food, it can also cause the freezer to operate for longer cycles, thereby using more energy. It is important that no frost is allowed to build up around the door where it may affect the sealing of the door gasket. Small amounts of soft frost can be removed by using a plastic scraper. On no account use any metal object or tools as you could permanently damage the interior of the freezer. When the thickness of the frost exceeds 5 mm (1/4 inch) the freezer should be completely defrosted as follows: Remove the food packages and wrap in thick blankets or newspaper to keep them cold. Store in boxes and if available place frozen freezer packs in the box with the food, and keep in a cool place. CABINET FACILITIES HOW TO USE YOUR FRIDGE FREEZER With use, the freezer shelves will progressively become covered with frost, the amount of frost accumulation will be dependent upon the frequency of the door being opened, the length of time that the door is left open and the amount of moisture introduced with the produce stored. NOTE: Defrosting is best undertaken when the freezer is nearly empty and should be carried out as quickly as possible to prevent an undue rise in the temperature of the food which may shorten its storage life. Switch off the freezer at the thermostat. Open the door, pull out the draining spout, and place a bowl under the spout to collect the defrost water. (See figure 8). Be sure the appliance is level (see installation, page 5) otherwise defrost water will not drain towards the spout. To speed up defrosting you can place a bowl of hot water in the freezer and replace when cool. When all the frost has been removed, the interior of the freezer should be thoroughly cleaned and wiped dry. Turn on the thermostat and switch the freezer onto the FAST Freeze mode. Replace the food and switch off the FAST Freeze mode after 12 hours or when the temperature warning indicator light goes out. The door strap is intended to support bottles, cartons, and other things that are placed in the door shelf, and it can be moved up or down as required. It is recommended to defrost and thoroughly clean the freezer at least THREE times a year in order to maintain the internal hygiene and efficient operation of the product. The egg tray can be placed behind high bottles. If the inserts are used it can be used for little things. For defrosting pull out the drain water extension over a bowl. 12 Figure 8 The swing-out vegetable drawer has a temperature which is a little higher than in the rest of the cabinet, and it is ideal forstoring fruit and vegetables. It is opened by pulling the vertical side handles. If it is to be taken out of the cabinet you have to pull at the top of both sides at the same time. The insert for the swing-out drawer is intended for small loose vegetables. The insert can be taken out and used as washing strainer. 9 Freezer Section Attention • Do not put carbonated liquids (fizzy drinks) in the freezer as they can explode when frozen. • If water ices are consumed immediately after removal from the freezer, freezerburn could result due to the low temperature. Always allow to warm slightly before consumption. The bottle shelf is for large bottles. Be sure that these bottles have tight-fitting caps.. Freezing Fresh Foods To keep food at its best it should be frozen down to -180C in the shortest time possible. To achieve quick freezing turn the FAST Freeze switch to the ON position (the FAST Freeze light will illuminate) 24 hours before introducing the produce. (The lower the temperature the quicker the food will freeze). Place the produce in the Fast Freeze compartments at these are the coldest area.The freezing process will take up to 24 hours depending on the amount of food introduced. After approx 24 hours or when the temperature indicator warning light goes out, switch the freezer back to the normal operating mode by switching the FAST Freeze switch to the OFF position. To get the best results when freezing fresh produce we advise you to follow these instructions: If you want whole icicles - and not just ice cubes - the ice tray is placed in a little warm water, after which the icicle is taken out carefully. The thawing box if for the thawing of meat and other frozen food. The meat juice or the like is collected in the grooves. The box can also be used for the storage of cold cuts or strongly smelling food. The food should be used in rotation so mark each pack with the contents and date. When sealing bags expel as much air as possible and ensure that the wrapping is well sealed. Avoiding contact with the air will help retain the colour, flavour and nutritional value of the food. Remember that lean meats keep better and longer than fatty meats and salt reduces storage time. Thawing Frozen Food When thawing food that was frozen when fresh, the food will retain its quality better if thawed slowly. Slow thawing allows the food to re-absorb all the flavour and nutritional value which may be lost with fast thawing. By far the best method to thaw fresh food is to allow the temperature to rise slowly by placing the food on a plate in the fridge section or at room temperature until completely thawed. HOW TO USE YOUR FRIDGE FREEZER CABINET FACILITIES The freezer section of your fridgefreezer has a four star rating which means that you can safely freeze fresh food. It will also store commercially frozen food with the three star symbol for up to three months unless otherwise stated on the packaging. DO NOT freeze more food than is recommended in any 24 hour period (see page 3). Commercially frozen pre-packed food should be thawed in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. Some small items of food may be cooked from frozen, but will require a longer cooking time. For thawing food in a microwave oven, refer to the manufacturers instructions. Food which has been thawed must NOT be re-frozen unless cooked thoroughly. Defrosted cooked food must never be refrozen, but should either be eaten straight away or disposed. Only freeze good quality produce, freezing preserves the quality but cannot improve it. Clean and prepare all food and wrap in freezer bags, foil or waxed containers etc. Keep the size of the packages small and remember that square packs will utilise the space in the freezer more effectively. Place each package in as much contact with the shelves of the freezer as possible and avoid placing unfrozen food in contact with food that is already frozen. 10 11