How to store food safely

Storing food in a nursery kitchen

It is very important to follow guidelines in regards to storing food. Some foods will need to be kept in the fridge to stop bacteria from growing such as foods with a use by date, any cooked food, desserts and cooked meats. Dried food can be kept either in cupboards or on shelves that are off the floor.

Storing food in the fridge.

Ways to help prevent bacteria from growing:

• Fridge should be kept at a temperate below 5C or below.
• When you are preparing food try and keep it out of the fridge for the shortest time.
• Keep food refrigerated until ready to serve
• If cooling food down do this as quickly as you can
• Store eggs in the box in the fridge
• If you have any leftovers from a can place the content into a container do not put the opened can in the fridge.

The fridge should be cleaned regularly to ensure it stays hygienic. Make sure you record the temperature of your fridge daily.

Storing of meat in a fridge

It is very important to store meat safely in a fridge this is due to prevent bacteria from spreading and avoid food poisoning. If not freezing meat then it should be stored in the following way

• In a clean sealed container on the bottom shelf of the fridge.
• Follow all instructions on the label and do not eat meat after its use by date.
• Keep all cooked meat separate from raw meat

 Freezing and defrosting

As some food is brought in batches to help with spreading the cost of food, it is safe to freeze food as long as the following applies

• Freeze all food before the use by date
• Defrost food such as meat and fish before cooking.
• If using a microwave to defrost your met and fish follow guidelines and place in a bowl as liquid will come out of the food as it thaws.
• Cook food thoroughly and ensure it is piping hot.
• Make sure the food is properly wrapped and date and label
• Cook meat within 24 hours of defrosting,

Make sure your record the temperature of your freezer daily, for best practice this can be as simple as having a sheet stuck on the front door of your freezer.