Janice Newell Bissex, MS, RD and Liz Weiss, MS, RD, Co-authors, The Moms' Guide to Meal Makeovers
The Meal Makeover Moms have created a series of online videos featuring cooking demonstrations and mealtime/pantry tips. Discover easy ways to improve your family's diet by watching more of their how-to videos.
Check your temperature: Use a food thermometer (available at most supermarkets) to make sure temperatures in your fridge and freezer are within recommended guidelines. Food safety experts at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommend keeping refrigerators at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius) and freezers at or below zero degrees Fahrenheit (minus 18 degrees Celsius). Allowing your fridge or freezer to get too warm can decrease foods’ shelf life and increase the growth of unhealthy bacteria.
Two-hour max: Foods should be contained and stored in a refrigerator or freezer within two hours after cooking.
Choose shallow containers: Divide and store leftovers in shallow containers less than two inches deep, for rapid, even cooling. Larger or deeper containers take longer to cool.
Wrap it Tight: Be sure stored foods are tightly wrapped. When using a sealable bag, try to squeeze out as much air as possible. This will conserve space and help to prevent freezer burn. If using a plastic container, choose the smallest container that will hold your food.
Plan ahead: Make a point of using stored foods before opening or purchasing more and get to know how long various foods last in the fridge or freezer. Check the expiration dates and see the food storage chart below for more information.
To find out how long your food and/or leftovers will last in your fridge or freezer, check out the Cold Storage Chart at www.foodsafety.gov/~fsg/f01chart.html
