Safe Food Storage Keeping Food Safe

Storage Practices What is the aim of food storage? Correct food storage is essential for safe food. If food is not stored correctly, it can result in the deterioration of the sensory properties of food, reducing the shelf life or, worse, allow for the growth of bacteria that is harmful if consumed. The aim of food storage is to maintain the maximum quality of food and to ensure it is safe for consumption. There are three main areas for food storage: Refrigerator Freezer Dry goods area – such as kitchen cupboards and pantry What is the aim of food storage? List the 3 main areas for food storage

Storing food in the refrigerator When storing food in the refrigerator: The temperature should be below 5 degrees It should not be overcrowded Cooked food must be stored above raw food All foods should be completely covered Keep opening and closing of door to a minimum Ensure refrigerator seals are in good working condition Why should the temperature remain below 5 degrees? Why should cooked food be placed on shelves above raw foods? Why should you try and keep the door closed?

Storing food in the freezer When storing food in the freezer: The temperature should be below -18 degrees All food should be completely covered and airtight to avoid freezer burn Items should be clearly labelled and dated Regularly defrost and clean, including sealing strips around the doors Why should food be clearly labelled and dated?

Correct defrosting Foods should only be defrosted using the fridge or microwave If defrosting in the fridge, foods should be stored on the bottom shelf Ensure food is fully defrosted before cooking If defrosting in the microwave, foods must be thoroughly cooked straight after defrosting Why should food not be defrosted on the bench or in the sink? Why should food be defrosted on the bottom shelf of the fridge?

Storing food in the pantry When storing food in the pantry: Ensure it is clean, dry and well ventilated All food must be stored off the floor All food should be stored in an air-tight container or tins It should be free of pests Why should food be stored off the floor? Why should food be stored in an air-tight container?

FIFO – First in, first out Fifo is a stock rotation system that works to ensure the oldest stock is used first to reduce wastage and food spoilage. The system is pretty simple: the first item to go into the cupboard is the first to come out. It is important that new stock, whether in a supermarket, or your kitchen fridge, is placed behind old stock so that the older product is finished before the new one is open Define fifo

Date marking The ‘use by’ date indicates that after this date the food will not have the same characteristics of quality expected by consumers and may not be safe for consumption. The ‘best before’ date indicates that food will remain fully marketable up to this date, but after this date, the food may still be perfectly satisfactory. Sensory properties may deteriorate after this date and cannot be guaranteed. The ‘best before’ date and ‘use by’ date are very important in ensuring consumers store and consume their food products correctly to maintain the quality and freshness. These are required by law in Australia and this applies to any food for sale. What must appear on a label is regulated in the Food Standards Code and the ‘best before’ or ‘use by’ date are one of these requirements.