Core Viewpoint - The discussion around the two-year shelf life of frozen broccoli sold by Sam's Club has sparked significant public interest and debate regarding the safety and nutritional value of such products [2][3]. Group 1: Consumer Reactions - Some consumers express clear concerns about the acceptability of purchasing frozen broccoli with a long shelf life [5]. - Other consumers question the value of spending hundreds of yuan on a membership to buy frozen broccoli [6]. - There are also concerns from parents about the safety of feeding such long-frozen products to their children [8]. Group 2: Expert Insights - A representative from Sam's Club clarified that frozen vegetables are preserved using rapid freezing technology, which locks in freshness and prevents nutrient loss, similar to dehydrated vegetables [8]. - The representative assured that as long as children are not allergic to broccoli, it is safe to consume, and the two-year shelf life has been scientifically validated [10]. - Expert Xie Qingchao from Shanghai Ocean University emphasized that commercial quick-freezing has a significantly lesser impact on food quality and nutrition compared to regular home freezing methods [11]. - Xie also noted that quick-freezing requires food to reach a temperature below -18°C within 30 minutes, contrasting with the longer freezing times of home freezers [12]. - He ranked food preservation methods by nutritional value, placing commercial frozen foods above fresh foods from markets and below freshly harvested items [12].