Last Updated on June 6, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford
Food poisoning is frequently caused by improper food storage. The food gets contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or toxins. Poor food storage can also lead to food waste.
If food is not stored properly, it can spoil and become dangerous to eat. Most people know that they should be careful about the food and drinks they store at home but may not know the best way to do so. This article will discuss some of the top ways to store food and drinks healthily and safely.
Store in Airtight Containers
One of the best ways to keep food fresh and safe is to store it in airtight containers. This will prevent contamination from outside sources and keep the food from drying out. You can find airtight containers made from various materials, including glass, plastic, and metal.
A plastic water tank is a good option for storing water, as it will prevent evaporation and contamination. Not only will this help to keep your food and drinks safe, but it will also help to keep them fresh tasting.
Be sure to label the containers with the date and contents to know when they need to be used. This will help you keep track of the food and drinks in your pantry, and it will help you avoid eating or drinking anything that has gone bad.
Refrigerate Perishable Foods
Any perishable food should be stored in the refrigerator. This includes meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products. These foods can quickly spoil if they are not kept cold. Before refrigerating them, wrap these items tightly or store them in airtight containers.
Bacteria grow quickly at warm temperatures (between 40°F and 140°F). The USDA recommends keeping food out of this temperature “danger zone” to keep food safe. Most refrigerators have a built-in thermometer to help you gauge whether the temperature is set cold enough to preserve your food properly.
If your refrigerator does not have a built-in thermometer, you can purchase a separate appliance thermometer to check the temperature.
Ideal refrigerator temperatures are:
- 37°F for fruits and vegetables;
- 33°F for beverages;
- 40°F for leftovers and deli meats; and,
- 0°F for frozen foods.
Freeze Non-Perishable Foods
To prevent freezer burn—which occurs when air reaches the food and dries it out—wrap meat, poultry, seafood, and other perishables tightly in moisture-proof material. This will also help keep the food from picking up other smells in the freezer. Be sure to wrap the food tightly in freezer bags or plastic wrap, and label it with the date to know when it needs to be used. Frozen food will usually be safe to eat for 3-6 months, although some foods may only be safe for 2-3 months.
Follow The Two Hour Rule
The USDA’s “two-hour rule” is a good guideline for transporting food. This rule states that food should not be out of the temperature “danger zone” (between 40°F and 140°F) for more than two hours. The two-hour rule is especially important in hot weather, as food can spoil quickly in these conditions.
If you are transporting food a long distance, or if it will be more than two hours before you can refrigerate it, be sure to pack the food in an insulated cooler with ice packs. This will help keep the food at a safe temperature until you can get it into the refrigerator or freezer.
Thaw Food Safely
When thawing food, it is important to do so safely to prevent the growth of bacteria. The best way to thaw food is in the refrigerator, which will keep the food at a safe temperature. You can also thaw food in the microwave, but be sure to cook it immediately afterward. Do not allow the food to sit out at room temperature, as this can allow bacteria to grow.
If you must thaw food quickly, you can do so in cold water. Be sure to change the water every 30 minutes, and cook the food immediately after it has thawed. Do not thaw food by leaving it out at room temperature. This can allow bacteria to grow and contaminate the food.
Store Raw Food Separately from Cooked Food
It is important to store raw food separately from cooked food to prevent cross-contamination. Raw food can contain bacteria that can contaminate cooked food, so it is important to keep them separate.
Raw meat, poultry, and seafood should be stored on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator, so they cannot drip onto other foods. These items should also be wrapped tightly or stored in airtight containers.
Cooked food should be stored on the top shelf of the refrigerator or in the freezer if you will not be eating it within 3-4 days. Be sure to label the food with the date it was cooked to know when it needs to be eaten.
Reheat Food Safely
When reheating food, it is important to do so until it is steaming hot. This will kill any bacteria that may be present in the food. Do not reheat food more than once, as this can also allow bacteria to grow. If you are not sure the food has been heated through properly, it is best to throw it out.
Do not leave food out at room temperature for more than two hours, as this can allow bacteria to grow. If the food has been sitting out for longer than two hours, it should be thrown out. Be sure to clean all surfaces and utensils that come into contact with raw meat, poultry, or seafood before using them again. This will prevent cross-contamination.
Wash Your Hands
Washing your hands is one of the most important things to prevent food poisoning. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water:
- Before and after handling food
- After using the restroom
- After changing diapers
- After touching animals or animal waste
If you are handling raw meat, poultry, or seafood, be sure to wash your hands before and after. These items can contain bacteria that can cause illness if they contact other food. It is also important to clean any surfaces or utensils that come into contact with raw meat, poultry, or seafood. These items can also contain bacteria that can cause illness if they are not properly cleaned.
Food safety is important, and there are many ways to prevent food poisoning. By following these tips, you can keep your food safe and healthy. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly, clean all surfaces and utensils that come into contact with food, and use a food thermometer to ensure that your food is cooked properly. These simple steps will help keep you and your family safe from harmful bacteria.
