Food safety and storage

The techniques used to clean, store and prepare food not only affect its taste, texture and nutritional value, but are also instrumental in preventing spoilage and food-borne illness. As these tips suggest, by using the proper methods to prepare and store foods, you can keep them wholesome and nutritious; preserve their appetizing appearance, taste and texture; and use them economically.

Exposure to heat, light, moisture and air can cause some foods to spoil or deteriorate, and many lose flavour, texture and nutritional value if kept too long. Improper handling and storage also raise the possibility of food poisoning.

• Use the two hour rule in your home and while shopping. Refrigerate or freeze all perishables within two hours of purchase or preparation.
• If the weather is hot, reduce that time to one hour and use a cooler for perishables.
• The highest risk foods are meat, fish, shellfish, poultry, eggs, dairy products, mayonnaise mixtures and moist foods such as poultry stuffing.
• It is especially important that these foods be handled carefully and most importantly, kept at the right temperatures — hot foods hot, cold foods cold.

Heat and humidity greatly increase the risk of food spoilage, so you should never store foods in warm places, such as near the stove or refrigerator. To minimize the risk of contamination and accidental poisoning, always keep food and cleaning products in separate areas.

Because even canned foods deteriorate with time, you should stack cans in the order of their date of purchase so that the oldest can is used first. Practice "first in, first out" for all food products. Store them away from moisture in a 10°C to 21°C (50°F to 70°F) temperature range.

Dry goods should be kept in a cool, dry pantry and used before the expiration date. Always read labels carefully. They often contain important storage information and recommended "use by" dates. When in doubt about shelf life, call the company (many have toll-free numbers).

Remember, when in doubt about any food, toss it out!