Bugger. Oxtail in ice box instead of freezer - safe or not?

[oopslateagain]

I bought some oxtail for a casserole on 22 October, popped them in my (*) ice box and meant to put them in the main freezer later that day. They're still in my ice box.

The meat is frozen but I can dig my nail into the fat; it all smells fine (I haven't defrosted it yet). Wikipedia says a 1* freezer can store pre-frozen food for up to a week, the oxtail wasn't pre-frozen.

Would you cook with it (assuming once it's defrosted it still smells OK)?

If it's properly frozen it will be fine.

I'd eat it.

22 October as in last week? God yes!

Yes as in last week, not a year ago! I think I'd have binned chicken, pork or fish, but beef somehow seems 'safer'. I was just a bit at the "one week" limit for a 1*.

I'll give it the sniff test once it's defrosted tomorrow and fingers crossed we'll have some lovely soup.