Tip of the Day
Keep Convenience Foods Safe
Canned and frozen foods are becoming a dinner staple due to busy schedules and not enough time to prepare meals from scratch. Even with prepackaged foods, safety rules still apply.
Canned Foods
- Avoid buying canned goods that show signs of bulging, denting or leaking.
- Throw away any canned goods in your pantry with signs of bulging, denting or leaking.
- Store canned goods in a cool, dry place – not above the oven, under the sink, in a damp garage or basement, or any place exposed to high or low temperature extremes.
- High acid foods such as tomatoes and fruit can be stored for up to 18 months, while low acid foods such as meat and vegetables can last for two to five years.
- Clean cans before opening to avoid contamination of contents.
Frozen Foods
- Choose frozen foods from the back of the freezer; the items in the back usually remain the coldest and most frozen.
- Keep frozen foods tightly wrapped at 0°F or below and date them.
- Don't refreeze food that has already been completely thawed.
For more information on keeping foods safe, check out Keeping your Convenience Foods Safe Tips on www.HomeFoodSafety.org for more home food safety information.
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