Come educate me about freezer burn

[shinyshoes]

We have an extra freezer out in the shed. I have just been out there to put some left over mashed potatoes in there and I noticed there is a packet of chicken breast covered in freezer burn.

Is this food still safe to eat?

Why would this happen?

[AstronomyDomine]

It's still safe but may be dry and taste a little weird.

Freezer burn happens when air gets to the food, dehydrating and oxidising it, usually due to not being wrapped properly.