food safety: storing
overview
storing food promptly and correctly can help prevent foodborne illness. here are some tips.
- store at safe temperatures.
set your refrigerator at or below 4 °c (40 °f) and your freezer at or below -18 °c (0 °f).
- don't leave food out too long.
refrigerate or freeze meat, poultry, eggs, fish, shellfish, ready-to-eat foods, and leftovers within 2 hours or sooner. refrigerate within 1 hour if the temperature outdoors is above 32 °c (90 °f). (this is often the case during summer picnics.)
- don't store meats and other foods in the refrigerator for too long.
- don't keep fresh poultry, fish, or ground meats in the refrigerator for more than 2 days. don't keep fresh beef, veal, lamb, or pork in the refrigerator more than 3 to 5 days. cook or freeze them.
- other foods may have a longer storage time in the refrigerator. eggs can be stored for 3 to 5 weeks. processed and brick cheese can be stored for 3 to 4 weeks. but don't store opened lunch meats for more than 3 to 5 days.
- store leftovers safely.
divide large amounts of leftovers into shallow containers for quicker cooling. use refrigerated leftovers within 3 to 4 days.
- don't pack your refrigerator with food.
cool air must circulate to keep food safe.
- separate cooked and raw food.
never store cooked or ready-to-eat food below raw food in the refrigerator.
- use safe containers.
always store food in leak-proof, clean containers with tight-fitting lids.
- store canned foods safely.
in general, high-acid canned food such as tomatoes, grapefruit, and pineapple can be stored in a cupboard for 12 to 18 months. in general, low-acid canned food such as meat, poultry, fish, and most vegetables can be stored for 2 to 5 years. but the can must be in good condition and stored in a cool, clean, dry place.
- check cans for damage.
do not keep canned food if the cans are dented, leaking, bulging, or rusting.
credits
current as of: june 12, 2023
author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
current as of: june 12, 2023
author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.