On Wed, 21 Sep 2011 16:58:25 +0100 (BST), "Dave Liquorice"
wrote:

On Wed, 21 Sep 2011 13:22:50 GMT, Jethro wrote:

I don't have a freezer, but since my op last Friday I may have to
get
one as I can't drive and will need to get food delivered.

So, how long was that freezer door open?

Long enough that the burgers in the top drawer had completely
defrosted ...

Bit of a "piece of string question". If the room is warm defrosting
will happen quicker than being in a cool room. Found the door of our
upright slightly open the other day. Alarm light on (no audible
alarm, has a light why not have a beep as well FFS!), compressor
working overtime trying to keep everything frozen, it succeeded in
that a lot of the melt was frozen, food may have got a bit warm but
was still solid. Certainly colder than when it gets put in after the
hours journey back from the supermarket.

Not sure how long the door had been ajar but hours rather minutes.

I wouldn't risk it. I think if the recommended temperature of -18 deg
is not maintained, some foods are going to make you ill, especially if
they get a little warmer, and are then frozen again when the fault
(open door/lid) is detected. That way food poisoning lies.

MM