LASTS LONGER: Frozen chicken (above) can be stored for six months in the freeser. -- ST PHOTO: SHAHRIYA YAHAYA

1 It's cheaper by 27 per cent

A check at major supermarket chains and wet markets here found the price of frozen pork is about 27 per cent cheaper than its fresh counterparts.

Said Mr Seah Kian Peng, managing director (Singapore) of NTUC FairPrice: 'With new available technology, many frozen products go through high technology processing and rapid freezing, which retain their freshness and nutrition. For value-conscious consumers, replacing some fresh items in your shopping list with frozen products is definitely a way to stretch the dollar...by a significant amount.'

2 It lasts longer

With proper freezing and packaging, red meat like beef and lamb can last for as long as 12 months. Chicken and pork can last for six months in the freezer, while seafood like fish can be kept for up to three months.

3 It's just as nutritious

Dietitians say the minerals in frozen meats are comparable to their fresh counterparts.

Said Alexandra Hospital's chief dietitian Gladys Wong: 'Freezing the meat will lock in the minerals and nutrients. It will be as fresh as it was before it was frozen.'

 

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Back in 1985...

THIS is not the first time Singaporeans are being encouraged to go for frozen.

In 1985, a five-week 'Eat Frozen Pork' campaign was launched by the then-Primary Production Department to convince Singaporeans that frozen pork was cheaper and better.

The rationale was different though: The Government was then phasing out pig farms in landlocked Singapore.

Pamphlets in English and Mandarin, teaching consumers how to buy, store and thaw the meat, were handed out; seminars, exhibitions and even 'Know-Your-Frozen-Pork' contests were held to help wean Singaporeans off fresh pork.

But consumers did not bite because they said frozen pork lacked taste.