Storing Food Safely

When it comes to food, storing it isn’t exactly the most exciting part of cooking a delicious meal, but it’s one that’s so important.

Especially with the holidays coming up, you’ll likely be cooking and storing more food than you have all year. Ensure that it’s ready and safe to eat in the days following Thanksgiving by storing it properly.

Preparation

Improperly prepared food can do a lot more than taste bad, it can actually get you very sick.

• You should always wash your hands before and after handling food, especially raw meat — this will help to prevent the spreading of harmful germs.
• Any surface or utensil that comes into contact with raw meat should also be promptly sanitized.
• When cooking meat, you need to make sure it is cooked thoroughly and reaches a certain temperature. The required internal temperature varies depending on the type of meat. For example:
  • Beef, Lamb, and Pork- 145 Degrees
  • Ground Meat- 160 Degrees
  • Poultry- 165 degrees

Storage

Once you’re full from a delicious meal, it’s time to store any extra food you have.

• Never leave food sitting out for too long (roughly two hours). After a certain point, it will begin to grow harmful bacteria. If it is especially warm (above 90 degrees), you shouldn't leave it out of the refrigerator for more than an hour.
• Don't leave uncooked meat in the refrigerator for too long. Instead, put it in the freezer or cook it within two days.
• You also need to make sure that meat properly secured at all times and stored in the correct part of the refrigerator (the bottom-most shelf) so that it doesn’t leak and contaminate other foods.
• Lastly, it is important that you are always aware of the expiration dates on your food. If something goes beyond its expiration date, throw it away immediately.

Another way your food can spoil? If your refrigerator isn’t getting cold enough to keep food safe. If you suspect your refrigerator or other kitchen appliances aren’t working properly, give Mr. Appliance of Huntington a call!