How to store perishable food safely?

Whether you are moving or want to know the right way to handle perishables for everyday use, there are many things to consider. Most likely, you don’t think on a daily basis about how you store your food. However, you need to know how to store perishable food safely, for your own good. If you don’t have the proper conditions for storing these foods, you risk throwing away a lot of things, or worse, getting sick. Many people don’t know how to store perishable food in the right way. Lucky for you, our guide will tell you everything you need to know to avoid these issues.

Which foods are perishable?

Due to the fact that some foods can spoil easily and lead to sickness, perishable foods are forbidden in most storage units TX. However, you can still ensure that you keep them safe in your own home or a different place of yours. But before we get to the right ways of storing perishables safely, you need to know which foods are high-risk:

Any custard or dairy-based products
All types of cooked and raw meat, as well as all dishes that contain meat
Eggs and foods that contain eggs and egg products
Seafood and fish
Pasta and rice
All types of salads, including fruit salad
Canned goods which have been opened

Although the list is long, there are proper ways of storing food during a move that will prevent it from going bad. If you follow our advice, you will know how to store perishable food safely. When it comes to the move itself, you should hire white glove delivery that ensures a safe transition with all your valuables intact.

The right containers to store perishable food safely

Moving can be very expensive and we would all like to save money. This might tempt you to use the wrong containers for your food. Plastic and paper bags are cheap and you can find them practically anywhere. However, these bags are dangerous for your food. They have traces of chemicals that can be poisonous if eaten. For this reason, you should always use containers designed for storing food, such as green crates rental. They will ensure that nothing inside of them goes bad.

Glass jars are a good option for storing pasta. — Never reuse old food containers.

Additionally, do not reuse old food containers, such as yogurt and cottage cheese packaging. They are meant only for single-use and should not be used more than once. Styrofoam is also a dangerous place to store food for a longer period of time. Finally, when reheating food, think about the container it is in. Only use microwave-safe plastic to avoid chemicals transferring to your food. A little attention goes a long way in preventing bacteria.

Keeping perishables in the fridge

Of course, the most logical place to store food that can go bad is in the fridge. Most fridges have thermometers, and you should set yours to between 32°-40°F. This is the ideal temperature for most of your perishables. Furthermore, clean your refrigerator at least once a month. This will prevent dirt and the transfer of bacteria between types of food. Clean it with a damp rag and a safe cleaner. Try not to open your fridge too often because it will take more energy to keep it cool.

Clean your fridge in order to store perishable food safely. — Don’t overcrowd your fridge with food.

When you place the food in the fridge, you need to think about the location. Spread it around evenly so that there is enough air coming through. Also, think where you will put different types of food. For example, keep already prepared food towards the top. On the other hand, raw meat and seafood should be as close to the bottom as possible. This will prevent cross-contamination and bacteria such as salmonella. You can keep condiments like ketchup and mayonnaise in the door since they don’t need very cold temperatures. However, do not store milk and eggs in the fridge, because they can spoil easily and this part of the fridge is the warmest.

Keep track when you store perishable food safely

Keeping food in their proper place in the fridge is only part of the solution. You also need to track your food, to prevent eating spoiled food or throwing it away. Experts say that perishable items can only last 4 days after being opened or cooked. Condiments, on the other hand, can last longer, up to 1-3 months.

There are many ways of keeping track of the food inside your fridge. For example, you can put a label on the food with a date that is should be eaten by. Moreover, you can create a list of the food that will expire soon and keep it taped to your fridge door. That way, you will already know what is inside before even opening it. Finally, you can create a meal plan for the week ahead using the food that you know will expire.

You can stick notes to the door of your fridge. — Track your food to save money.

All of these steps will help you stay organized. Of course, the biggest advantage when you store perishable food safely is that you avoid bacteria. However, it is also good for your wallet. The less food you throw away, the more money you will save on a long-distance move.

Storing perishables and moving

As we’ve mentioned, most moving and storing companies will not accept perishable foods. This is for your own safety, as well as their liability. Luckily, you can store perishable food safely even when you are packing your kitchen for a move. If you are moving locally or close by, you can place your perishable items in a cooler and take it with you for the ride. On the other hand, you can ship the food to your new address using a reliable mail carrier.

However, they will not be responsible if your food goes bad in the process. Finally, you can organize a farewell party and make use of all the perishables you can’t eat or take with you. Your friends will be grateful for the feast, and you will save room when moving, so it’s a win-win.