Food Safety Basics (continued)

FN-572, May 1997

Storage and Handling Suggestions

• Dry Storage
• Refrigerated Storage
• Freezer Storage

Food Safety Checklist for Foodservice Operations¹
Ten Rules for Handling Food Safely

Storage and Handling Suggestions

Dry Storage

Staples

------------------------------------------------------------------
		    Recommended
		    storage time
Food		    at 70� F *     Handling hints
------------------------------------------------------------------
Baking Powder	    18 months or   Keep dry and covered. 
		    expiration
		    date on can
------------------------------------------------------------------
Baking Soda 	    2 years or     Keep dry and covered.
		    expiration
		    date on
		    package
------------------------------------------------------------------
Bouillon Cubes	    2 years        Keep dry and covered.
or Granules
------------------------------------------------------------------
Cereals
 ready-to-eat 
   (unopened) 	    6-12 months** 
 ready-to-eat
   (opened) 	    2-3 months     Refold package liner tightly 
 cooked 			   after opening.
   (before
    preparation)    6 months
------------------------------------------------------------------
Chocolate
 premelted 	    12 months	   Keep cool. 
 semi-sweet	    18 months	   Keep cool. 
 unsweetened	    18 months	   Keep cool.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Chocolate Syrup
 unopened	    2 years**	   Cover tightly, refrigerate
 opened 	    6 months 	   after opening.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Cocoa Mixes 	    8 months	   Cover tightly.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Coffee 
 cans (unopened)    2 years** 
 cans (opened) 	    2 weeks 
 instant (unopened) 1-2 years**    Refrigerate after opening. Keep
				   tightly closed, use dry 
				   measuring spoon. 
------------------------------------------------------------------
Coffee Lighteners
(dry)  unopened     9 months** 
       opened 	    6 months 	   Keep lid tightly closed.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Cornmeal	    12 months	   Keep tightly closed.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Cornstarch 	    18 months	   Keep tightly closed.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Flour 
 white 		    6-8 months 	   Keep in an airtight container.
 whole wheat 	    6-8 months	   Keep in refrigerator. Store in
				   airtight container.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Gelatin, all types  18 months      Keep in original container.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Grits		    12 months	   Store in airtight container.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Honey		    12 months	   Cover tightly; if crystallizes,
				   warm jar in pan of hot water.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Jellies, Jams	    12 months	   Cover tightly. Storage life
				   lengthened if refrigerated 
				   after opening.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Molasses
 unopened	    12 months+**   Keep tightly closed. 
				   Refrigerate to extend storage
				   life. 
 opened 	    6 months
------------------------------------------------------------------
Marshmallow Cream
 (unopened) 	    3-4 months     Cover tightly. Refrigerate 
				   after opening to extend storage
				   life. Serve at room
				   temperature.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Marshmallows	    2-3 months	   Keep in airtight container.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Mayonnaise
 (unopened)	    2-3 months	   Refrigerate after opening.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Milk
 condensed or 	    12 months	   Invert cans every two months. 
 evaporated (unopened)

 non-fat dry 
   unopened	    6 months**	   Put in airtight container. 
   opened 	    3 months
------------------------------------------------------------------
Pasta		    2 years 	   Once opened, store in airtight 
(spaghetti, macaroni,etc.)	   container.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Rice
 white		    2 years+	   Keep tightly closed. 
 flavored or herb   6 months
------------------------------------------------------------------
Salad Dressings
 bottled (unopened) 10-12 months** 
 bottled (opened)   3 months	   Refrigerate after opening. 
 made from mix	    2 weeks	   Refrigerate prepared dressing.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Salad Oils
 unopened	    6 months** 
 opened		    1-3 months	   Refrigerate after opening 
------------------------------------------------------------------
Shortenings, solid  8 months	   Refrigeration not needed.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Sugar
 brown		    4 months	   Put in airtight container. 
 confectioners	    18 months	   Put in airtight container. 
 granulated	    2 years+	   Cover tightly. 
 sweeteners	    2 years+	   Cover tightly. 
------------------------------------------------------------------
Syrups		    12 months	   Keep tightly closed.
				   Refrigerate to extend storage
				   life.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Tea
 bags		    18 months	   Put in airtight container. 
 instant	    3 years	   Cover tightly. 
 loose		    2 years	   Put in airtight container.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Vinegar
 unopened	    2 years+	   Keep tightly closed. Slightly
				   cloudy appearance doesn't
				   affect quality.

 opened		    12 months	   Distilled vinegar keeps longer
				   than cider vinegar.
------------------------------------------------------------------
 * These storage times assume that safe food handling practices 
   have been followed during all steps of food production and that
   food is stored properly in equipment that is working
   effectively and efficiently. 
** Total time "unopened" product can be stored at home. If
   recommendation is for "opened" product, subtract this time from
   the total storage or "unopened" time.

Mixes and Packaged Foods

------------------------------------------------------------------
		    Recommended
		    storage time 
Food		    at 70� F *	   Handling hints
------------------------------------------------------------------
Biscuit, Brownie,
Muffin Mix	    9 months	   Keep cool and dry.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Cakes purchased	    1-2 days	   If butter-cream, whipped cream
				   or custard frostings, fillings,
				   refrigerate.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Cake mixes 	    9 months	   Keep cool and dry. 
  angel food	    12 months 
------------------------------------------------------------------
Casseroles,
complete or add
own meat 	    9-12 months	   Keep cool and dry.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Cookies
  homemade	    2-3 weeks	   Put in airtight container. 
  packaged	    2 months	   Keep box tightly closed.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Crackers	    3 months	   Keep box tightly closed.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Frostings
  canned	    3 months	   Store leftovers in refrigerator.
  mix 		    8 months
------------------------------------------------------------------
Hot Roll Mix	    18 months	   If opened, put in airtight 
				   container.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Pancake Mix	    6-9 months	   Put in airtight container.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Pie Crust Mix	    8 months	   Keep cool and dry.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Pies and Pastries   2-3 days	   Refrigerate whipped cream,
				   custard and chiffon fillings.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Potatoes, Instant   6-12 months	   Keep in airtight package.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Pudding Mixes	    12 months	   Keep cool and dry.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Rice Mixes	    6 months	   Keep cool and dry.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Sauce and
Gravy Mixes	    6-12 months	   Keep cool and dry.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Soup Mixes	    12 months	   Keep cool and dry.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Toaster Pastries    2-3 months	   Keep in airtight packet.
------------------------------------------------------------------
* These storage times assume that safe food handling practices
  have been followed during all steps of food production and that
  food is stored properly in equipment that is working effectively
  and efficiently.

Canned and Dried Foods

------------------------------------------------------------------
		    Recommended 
		    storage time 
Food		    at 70� F *	   Handling hints
------------------------------------------------------------------
Canned Foods,
 all (unopened)	    12 months	   Keep cool.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Canned Fruit Juices 9 months	   Keep cool.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Canned Food (opened) 		   All opened canned foods- 
				   refrigerate and cover tightly;
				   transfer foods in cans to
				   plastic or stainless steel
				   storage container if kept more
				   than one day.

  fish and seafood  2 days 
  fruit		    1 week 
  meats		    2 days 
  pickles, olives   1-2 months 
  poultry	    2 days 
  sauce, tomato	    5 days 
  vegetables	    3 days
------------------------------------------------------------------
Fruits, Dried	    6 months	   Keep cool, in airtight
				   container; if possible,
				   refrigerate.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Vegetables, Dried   1 year	   Keep cool, in airtight
				   container; if possible,
				   refrigerate
------------------------------------------------------------------
* These storage times assume that safe food handling practices
  have been followed during all steps of food production and that
  food is stored properly in equipment that is working effectively
  and efficiently.

Spices, Herbs, Condiments and Extracts

------------------------------------------------------------------
		    Recommended 
		    storage time 
Food		    at 70� F *	   Handling hints
------------------------------------------------------------------
Catsup, Chili Sauce
  unopened	    12 months** 
  opened	    1 month	   Refrigerate for longer storage.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Mustard,
Prepared Yellow 
  unopened	    2 years** 
  opened	    6-8 months	   May be refrigerated.
				   Stir before using.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Spices and Herbs
  whole spices	    1-2 years	   Store in airtight containers in
				   dry places away from sunlight
				   and heat. At times listed, check
				   aroma; if faded, replace. Whole
				   cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon
				   sticks maintain quality beyond
				   two year period.
  ground spices	    6 months 
  herbs		    6 months 
  herb/spice blend  6 months
------------------------------------------------------------------
Vanilla
  unopened	    2 years**	   Keep tightly closed; volatile 
  opened	    12 months	   oils escape.

Other Extracts
  (opened)	    12 months	   Keep tightly closed; volatile
				   oils escape.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Vegetables,
Dehydrated Flakes   6 months
------------------------------------------------------------------
 * These storage times assume that safe food handling practices
   have been followed during all steps of food production and that
   food is stored properly in equipment that is working
   effectively and efficiently. 
** Total time "unopened" product can be stored at home. If
   recommendation is for "opened" product, subtract this time
   from the total storage or "unopened" time. 

Others

------------------------------------------------------------------
		    Recommended 
		    storage time
Food		    at 70� F *	   Handling hints
------------------------------------------------------------------
Cheese, Parmesan-grated 
 unopened	    10 months**    Refrigerate after opening, Keep
 opened		    2 months	   tightly closed.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Coconut, Shredded-canned or packaged 
 unopened	    12 months** 
 opened		    6 months	   Refrigerate after opening.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Meat Substitutes-   4 months	   Keep tightly closed; for longer
textured protein		   storage, refrigerate.
products (imitation
bacon bits)	    
------------------------------------------------------------------
Nuts
 in shell	    4 months**	   Refrigerate after opening.
				   Freeze for longer storage.
				   Unsalted and blanched nuts
				   keep longer than salted.
 nutmeats packaged 
   vacuum can	    1 year** 
   other packaging  3 months** 
 nutmeats (opened)  2 weeks
------------------------------------------------------------------
Peanut Butter
 unopened	    6-9 months**   Refrigeration not needed. 
 opened		    2-3 months	   Keeps longer if refrigerated.
				   Serve at room temperature.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Peas, Beans-dried   12 months	   Store in airtight container in
				   cool place.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Popcorn		    2 years	   Store in airtight container.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Vegetables, Fresh
 onions		    2 weeks	   Keep dry and away from sun 
 white potatoes	    2-4 weeks	   For longer storage, keep about
				   50�F. 
 sweet potatoes	    1-2 weeks	   Don't refrigerate sweet
				   potatoes.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Whipped Topping
 (dry)		    12 months	   Keep cool and dry
------------------------------------------------------------------
Yeast (dry)	    expiration date on package
------------------------------------------------------------------
 * These storage times assume that safe food handling practices
   have been followed during all steps of food production and that
   food is stored properly in equipment that is working
   effectively and efficiently. 
** Total time "unopened" product can be stored. If recommendation
   is for "opened" product, subtract this time from the total
   storage or "unopened" time.

Refrigerated Storage

Dairy Products

------------------------------------------------------------------
		    Recommended 
		    storage time
		    at 41� F or 
Food		    lower *	   Handling hints
------------------------------------------------------------------
Butter		    1-2 weeks	   Wrap or cover tightly.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Buttermilk	    3-5 days	   Cover tightly. Flavor not
				   affected if buttermilk
				   separates. Remix before
				   serving.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Cheese
 cottage, ricotta   5 days	   Keep all cheese tightly
				   packaged in moisture resistant
				   wrap. For longer storage see
				   freezer storage chart. 
 cream, Neufchatel  2 weeks 
 Cheddar, Edam,
 Gouda, Swiss,
 brick, etc.
 (large pieces) 
    unopened	    3-6 months 
    opened	    3-4 weeks 
    sliced	    2 weeks 
 Parmesan, Romano:  2 months	   Refrigerate after opening.
				   (See dry storage chart.)
 grated (opened) 
 processed (opened) 3-4 weeks	   Refrigerate slices of process
				   cheese and cheese food.
				   Refrigerate loaves and jars
				   after opened. Most squeeze
				   packages and aerosol cans don't
				   need refrigeration
				   (check label).
------------------------------------------------------------------
Cream:
light, heavy,	    3 days	   Cover tightly. Do not return 
half-and-half 			   unused cream to original
				   container.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Dips, sour-cream, etc. 
 commercial	    2 weeks	   Keep tightly covered. 
 homemade	    2 days	   Keep tightly covered.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Eggs
 in-shell	    2-3 weeks	   Store covered. Keep small end
				   down to center yolks. 
 whites		    3 days	   Store in covered container. 
 yolks		    3 days 	   Cover yolks with water; store
				   in covered container.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Margarine	    4-6 months	   Wrap or cover tightly.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Milk
 evaporated(opened) 4-5 days	   Keep covered. 
 homogenized,	    5 days	   Keep containers tightly closed.
 nonfat, skimmed		   Don't return unused
				   reconstituted dry milk to
				   original container.
 sweetened,
 condensed (opened) 4-5 days	   Keep covered.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Sour Cream	    2 weeks	   Keep covered.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Whipped Topping
 in aerosol can	    3 months 
 prepared from mix  3 days	   Keep covered. 
 bought frozen	    2 weeks	   Keep covered
 (once thawed)
------------------------------------------------------------------
Yogurt		    7-10 days	   Keep covered.
------------------------------------------------------------------
* These storage times assume that safe food handling practices
  have been followed during all steps of food production and that
  food is stored properly in equipment that is working
  effectively and efficiently. 

Fresh Fruits

------------------------------------------------------------------
		    Recommended 
		    storage time 
		    at 41� F or
Food		    lower *	   Handling hints
------------------------------------------------------------------
Bananas 			   Refrigerate only when fully
				   ripe.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Apples		    1-3 weeks	   **
------------------------------------------------------------------
Berries, Cherries   1-2 days	   **
------------------------------------------------------------------
Citrus Fruit	    3 weeks	   **
------------------------------------------------------------------
Juices: bottled,    6 days	   Keep fruit juice tightly
reconstituted			   covered. Transfer canned juice
frozen, canned			   to glass or plastic container
				   if not used up in one day.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Melons		    1 week	   Wrap uncut cantaloupe and
				   honeydew to prevent odor
				   spreading to other foods.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Other fruits	    3-5 days	   Wrap cut surfaces of citrus
				   fruit and cantaloupe to
				   prevent Vitamin C loss.
------------------------------------------------------------------
 * These storage times assume that safe food handling practices
   have been followed during all steps of food production and
   that food is stored properly in equipment that is working
   effectively and efficiently. 
** Discard bruised or decayed fruit. Do not wash before storing;
   moisture encourages spoilage. Store in crisper or moisture
   resistant bag or wrap.

Fresh Vegetables

------------------------------------------------------------------
		    Recommended 
		    storage time
		    at 41� F or
Food		    lower *	   Handling hints
------------------------------------------------------------------
Asparagus,
Corn in Husks	    1-2 days	   Keep moist.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Beans,
green or wax	    1-2 days	   Keep in crisper or moisture
				   resistant wrap or bag. 
Beets, Carrots,
Radishes	    1-2 weeks	   Remove leafy tops; keep in
				   crisper.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Cabbage, Celery	    1-2 weeks	   Keep in crisper or moisture
				   resistant wrap or bag.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Lettuce, head	    3-5 days	   Store away from other vegetables
(washed, thoroughly		   and fruits to prevent russet 
 drained)			   spotting.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Mushrooms	    1-2 days	   Do not wash before storing.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Onions, Potatoes,		   Refrigeration not needed.
Sweet Potatoes			   (See Dry Storage Chart).
------------------------------------------------------------------
Shredded Cabbage,   1-2 days	   Keep in moisture resistant
Leaf and Bibb			   wrap or bag. 
Lettuce, Salad
Greens
------------------------------------------------------------------
Tomatoes, ripe	    1-2 days	   Ripen tomatoes at room
				   temperature away from direct
				   sunlight; then refrigerate.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Unshelled Peas,	    3-5 days	   Keep in crisper or moisture 
Limas, Spinach			   resistant wrap or bags.
------------------------------------------------------------------
* These storage times assume that safe food handling practices
  have been followed during all steps of food production and that
  food is stored properly in equipment that is working 
  effectively and efficiently.

Meat, Fish and Poultry - Fresh, Uncooked

------------------------------------------------------------------
		    Recommended 
		    storage time
		    at 41� F or 
Food		    lower *	   Handling hints
------------------------------------------------------------------
Beef, Lamb,
Pork and Veal 
  chops		    2-3 days 
  ground meat	    1-2 days 
  roasts	    2-4 days 
  steaks	    2-3 days 
  stew meat	    1-2 days 
  variety meats	    1 day
  (liver, heart, etc.)
------------------------------------------------------------------
Chicken, Duck
or Turkey:
ready-to-cook	    2 days
------------------------------------------------------------------
Clams, Crab,
Lobster: in shell   2 days	   Cook only live shellfish.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Fish and Shellfish:
fresh cleaned fish,
including steaks
and fillets	    1 day
------------------------------------------------------------------
Seafood: including
shucked Clams,
Oysters, Scallops,
Shrimp		    1 day	   Store in coldest part of
				   cooler.
------------------------------------------------------------------
* These storage times assume that safe food handling practices 
  have been followed during all steps of food production and that
  food is stored properly in equipment that is working
  effectively and efficiently.

Cured and Smoked Meats

------------------------------------------------------------------
		    Recommended 
		    storage time   
		    at 41� F or 
Food		    lower *	   Handling hints
------------------------------------------------------------------
Bacon		    7 days	   **
------------------------------------------------------------------
Bologna		    4-6 days	   **
------------------------------------------------------------------
Corned Beef	    5-7 days	   **
------------------------------------------------------------------
Dried Beef	    10-12 days	   **
------------------------------------------------------------------
Dry and semi-dry    4-5 days	   **
------------------------------------------------------------------
Sausages (Salami, etc.) 
Frankfurters	    4-5 days	   **
------------------------------------------------------------------
Hams
 whole		    1 week	   **
 canned (unopened)  6 months
------------------------------------------------------------------
Luncheon Meats	    5-7 days	   **
------------------------------------------------------------------
Sausage, fresh
or smoked	    2-3 days	   **
------------------------------------------------------------------
 * These storage times assume that safe food handling practices
   have been followed during all steps of food production and
   that food is stored properly in equipment that is working
   effectively and efficiently. 
** Store in cooler unless label indicates refrigeration is not
   needed. Keep wrapped. Store in coldest part of cooler. Times
   are for opened packages. Refer to processor's freshness date
   on package for storage times for unopened packages.

Other Foods

------------------------------------------------------------------
		    Recommended 
		    storage time
		    at 41� F or 
Food		    lower *	   Handling hints
------------------------------------------------------------------
Canned Goods
 fruits, opened	    1 week	   If not used in one day,
				   transfer to glass or plastic
				   container to avoid metallic
				   taste. Cover and refrigerate.
 vegetables, opened 2-3 days 
 Puddings, Custards 1-2 days	   Keep covered.
 (opened)
------------------------------------------------------------------
Leftover Gravy
and Broth	    2 days	   Keep covered.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Refrigerated
Biscuits, Rolls,
Pastries, Cookie
Dough		    Expiration date on label.
------------------------------------------------------------------
* These storage times assume that safe food handling practices
  have been followed during all steps of food production and
  that food is stored properly in equipment that is working
  effectively and efficiently. 

[ NEXT ] [ BACK ] [ HOME ]

[ The High Price of Foodborne Illness ] [ What Makes Food Unsafe? ] [ Weighing the Risks ]
[ Food Safety Guidelines throughout a Foodservice Operation ] [ Safe Food Production and Service ]
[ Holding/Displaying Foods Between Preparation and Serving ]
[ Personal Hygiene Guidelines for Employees ] [ Hand Washing Guidelines ]
[ Wash, Rinse and Sanitize ] [ Food Safety Checklist for Foodservice Operations¹ ]
[ Ten Rules for Handling Food Safely ]

FN-572, May 1997