In the News - August 2008
Are you storing food safely?
MARION, Ark. - Whether we're storing food in the refrigerator, the freezer or
the cabinet, our main goal is to keep our families from becoming sickened by
microorganisms such as salmonella, E. coli and botulism.
Keeping foods chilled to the proper temperature is one of the best ways to
prevent or slow down the growth of bacteria, said VeEtta Simmons, Crittenden
County extension agent with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
Simmons provided the following food storage tips:
- Be alert for spoiled food. If it looks or smells suspicious,
discard it.
- Check storage directions on labels. Discard items that have not
been properly refrigerated.
- Maintain appliances at the proper temperature: 40 degrees
Fahrenheit or below for refrigerators and 0 degrees for freezers.
- Marinate food in the refrigerator. Boil any leftover marinade
before using it as a sauce.
- Note expiration dates. If food is past its "use by" date, throw
it out.
- Refrigerate or freeze perishables right away - normally within
two hours but within one hour if the air temperature is above 90
degrees.
"Food that is properly handled and stored in the freezer at 0 degrees will
remain safe," said Simmons. "While freezing does not kill most bacteria, it does
stop it from growing."
Although food will be safe indefinitely at 0 degrees in the freezer, the
quality will decrease the longer food is stored.
There are other factors to consider when storing food - in addition to warding
off bacteria.
Potatoes and onions should be stored in a cool, dry place - not under the
kitchen sink. Leakage from pipes can damage them.
Non-perishable foods shouldn't be stored near household cleaning products and
chemicals.
"It's good food; let's store it safely" said Simmons. "However, if ever in
doubt, just throw it out."
For more information about food storage and safety, contact your county
extension agent or visit www.uaex.edu.
The Cooperative Extension Service is a part of the University of Arkansas
Division of Agriculture.
August 29, 2008
Edited by Elizabeth Hill
Media Contact: Lamar James
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2187 or (501) 753-0207
ljames@uaex.edu
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