How do you know that you are storing your food properly? This post will identify ways you can employ to ensure the proper storage of your food.
When purchasing your food from the supermarket, check the expiry date. For canned foods, also check the expiration date and avoid any with dents, bulges or moulds as these indicate spoilage. They should remain in their containers and stored at recommended temperatures as indicated on label. You should especially handle the canned foods with care once opened.
Store leftovers in containers and cover them, then label or indicate the date. Store them in plastic bags in small portions or sealed containers. Advisably, should not be kept in refrigerator for more than 2 days.
When storing dried foods such as flour, cereals, seasonings, ensure that you prevent them from moisture to prevent the development of moulds. Dried foods should be stored in air-tight containers to protect against rodents and insects .These containers can either be made of glass , plastic or metal.
Always store your food away from chemical solutions to prevent chemical poisoning. This is to prevent foods from coming into contact with the foods , which can result in contamination.
Do not overcrowd your freezer or refrigerator so as not to limit air circulation. This will prevent the freezer from maintaining the required temperatures. The foods should be spaced out to allow them to chill properly.
Store raw foods in sealed plastic bags or containers at the bottom part of the refrigerator- below the cooked ones. Avoid storing raw foods with cooked foods to prevent the drippings on them.
Raw meats, seafood and dairy products should be refrigerated immediately to prevent them from spoiling easily. When they are left at room temperature for more than 2 hours, their risk for spoilage increases due to rapid multiplication of micro-organisms at this temperature.
Do not put hot foods into refrigerator when hot. You should first allow them to cool before placing it into the fridge.
Avoid refreezing thawed foods to reduce the risk of food poisoning. There is an increased risk of food poisoning when you consume a refrozen food because there is high likelihood that bacteria multiplication may have taken place between the thawing then refreezing.
Regularly clean the cupboard shelves and kitchen cabinets to prevent insects from contaminating food.
The proper storage of food should take into account key considerations including the temperature danger zone, the avoidance of thawing and refreezing food, greater care for foods that spoil easily such as meats, seafoods and dairy products, the need to store food items at recommended temperatures , separating raw and cooked foods during storage and avoiding chemical contamination by storing foods away from chemicals.