Vienna Beef Ships Frozen or Refrigerated?

The distributor that I have signed up with tells me that Vienna Beef ships their products refrigerated only and that they freeze them once they arrive. The owner was telling me that I can thaw and refreeze the franks and buns multiple times. This is contrary to what I remember reading on here a few months ago. I believe that once the buns are thawed they are toast if you don't use in a few days. CSD? Any thoughts?

Thanks!

Vienna Beef ships dogs frozen, unless you're in the Chicago/Milwaukee corridor. Fresh product must be refrigerated within 14 days of production and will keep fresh in a freezer for at least six months. I believe the Vienna Beef buns are also shipped frozen. I get the same buns fresh and their shelf life is seven days. Unused fresh product can be refrigerated for a month, but must be immediately used once out of the frig. Never refreeze a frozen hot dog.

CSD

quote:

Originally posted by chicagostyledog

Vienna Beef ships dogs frozen, unless you're in the Chicago/Milwaukee corridor. Fresh product must be refrigerated within 14 days of production and will keep fresh in a freezer for at least six months. I believe the Vienna Beef buns are also shipped frozen. I get the same buns fresh and their shelf life is seven days. Unused fresh product can be refrigerated for a month, but must be immediately used once out of the frig. Never refreeze a frozen hot dog.

CSD

That's exactly as I remembered it. Now I'm doubting my distributor's ability to give me safe product and I didn't have a great feeling about them anyway. When I went to pick up the first order, they didn't have it ready and one of the owners found my order written down on a legal pad but never entered into their system. It took them another hour to get everything together. Not very reassuring considering the person at the company who told me this was suppposedly the Vienna Beef "expert".

I would have a short talk and a long listen or a long talk and a short listen, with that distributor. If he knows that you know the drill, see if the story changes. Either way, I would be weary of anyone who is supplying food products, with that sort of careless advice.

quote:

Originally posted by CCinNJ

I would have a short talk and a long listen or a long talk and a short listen, with that distributor. If he knows that you know the drill, see if the story changes. Either way, I would be weary of anyone who is supplying food products, with that sort of careless advice.

I had another talk with them and they confirmed what they said before - ALL Vienna Beef products come refrigerated and they freeze them once they arrive from the factory. I told them I learned otherwise from folks who should know and their story remained the same. He also said it is okay to freeze and refreeze VB franks as long as they don't go above 42 degrees once thawed.

Should I look for a new distributor and try to return the product I have already purchased?

Thanks!

Probally contact:
James Silverman 800 335-4366
S.E sales VP VIENNA Beef Atl,GA
See what he has to say. Nice man and tried to do Vienna. He is available all the time.

I would talk to someone directly from Vienna, about the issue. Ask if this supplier is an authorized rep. (in good standing) for Vienna products. Inquire if the procedures & directions that the supplier is giving you, is accurate or not accurate, directly from Vienna.

It is very understandable that you to want to be 100% comfortable with any food supplier you choose. If the information you get from Vienna in contrary to Vienna policy, you will have to decide your next course of action. Of course, if the information is contrary, you will not continue doing business with this supplier.

Suppliers/distributors have return policies for food products. If you cease doing business with this supplier (if his info is not legit) it may be very difficult for a refund/return for the stock you already purchased.

First things first. You should talk to someone from Vienna ASAP. Do not purchase anything else from this supplier, unless you are 100% comfortable and satisfied, about the first issue.

My Grandmother had a phrase about this sort of situation. She would say "To save the patient, you sure as hell better stop the bleeding, first".

You need the information from Vienna. Then you will have clarity, and it will be much easier to proceed.

Deep breath. Everything will be ok!!

Zwoof, now you have me wondering. I think we're using the same distributor. My buns and dogs come frozen, and that's the way I assumed they were shipped from Vienna. Call Jim Silverman pronto and let me know what he says. Don't call the factory, as you'll get a wishy-washy answer.

I have a sheet from Woody's that says the Vienna dogs can be frozen about 6 months and are good, once thawed, for 28 days.