Food Storage & Safety Guide.
Food Storage & Safety Guide.
Food Storage & Safety Guide.
Dry Storage 3
Cold Storage 4
Refrigeration 4
Freezers 5
Recommended Storage Times 6
Hot Storage 9
Catering 10 - 11
Best Practices 10 - 11
Food Handler’s Gear 11
Allergy Prevention 15
2 www.rwsmithco.com [email protected]
dry STORAGE
To prevent contamination from liquids, dust, insects and rodents,
store food at least 6 inches above floor.
Follow the FIFO inventory management rule: first in, first out.
Increase the shelf life of bulk products - such as flour, sugar, rice and grains - by
transferring them from their original packaging into air-tight, BPA-free plastic containers.
http://www.rwsmithco.com/Kitchen-Supplies/Food-Pans-Bins-and-
Storage/Food-Pans/Polycarbonate-Food-Pans/c1340_1352_1353_1628/
Opt for food grade containers that lock out moisture with easy snap-on lids.
Clearly label all containers including the delivery date and best by date.
http://www.rwsmithco.com/Kitchen-
Supplies/Food-Pans-Bins-and--
Storage/Food-Labeling/c1340_1352_1631/
Toss out canned goods that are too dented to stack, bulging at the ends, punctured,
or have leakage stains.
Adhere to special storage instructions on packaging, such as “store in a cool, dry place”
or “refrigerate after opening”.
3 www.rwsmithco.com [email protected]
cold STORAGE - Refrigeration
Refrigeration
http://www.rwsmithco.com/Kitchen-Equipment/Refrigerators-
and-Dishwashers/Reach-Ins/c1337_1579_1583/
Properly wrap foods and label each with the date prepared or received.
http://www.rwsmithco.com/Kitchen-Supplies/Food-
Pans-Bins-and--
Storage/Food-Labeling/c1340_1352_1631/
Follow the FIFO inventory management rule: first in, first out.
Discard food after seven calendar days, and habitually check for and toss spoiled foods.
Ensure your unit has a working refrigerator thermometer that is accurate to within 2oF.
http://www.rwsmithco.com/Kitchen-
Equipment/Refrigerators-and--
Dishwashers/Reach-Ins/c1337_1579_1583/
Maintain cleanliness by wiping down shelves and mopping walk-in cooler floors on a
routine basis.
Organize similar products together such as dairy with other dairy products, produce
with other produce, etc. so it’s easier for your staff to understand. This helps them to
remember where items are stored, creating a more efficient system.
4 www.rwsmithco.com [email protected]
cold STORAGE - Freezers
Freezers
http://www.rwsmithco.com/Kitchen-Equipment/Refrigerators-and-
Dishwashers/Freezers/c1337_1579_1581/
Maintain proper air flow and circulation; do not overload units or block vents.
Use free-standing freezers for long-term storage (months) and mounted freezers
for short-term storage (days or weeks).
Properly package and cover food to maintain quality and prevent freezer burn.
Follow the FIFO stock rotation rule: first in, first out.
Ensure your unit has a visible, working thermometer that is accurate to within 2oF.
http://www.rwsmithco.com/Kitchen-
Equipment/Refrigerators-and--
Dishwashers/Reach-Ins/c1337_1579_1583/
Keep frozen foods solid with a unit temperature of 0oF or below to maintain quality.
5 www.rwsmithco.com [email protected]
cold STORAGE - Recommended Storage Times
Reprint courtesy of Nutrition & Foodservice Edge magazine.
REFRIGERATOR FREEZER
FOOD PRODUCT
36-40°F 0°F
Dairy
Fluid milk 5-7 days after sell by 1-3 months
date
Nonfat dry milk (NFDM) 5-6 months 10-12 months
Reconstituted NFDM 3-5 days Freezes poorly
Buttermilk 1-2 weeks Freezes poorly
Cheese Spread, opened 2 weeks Freezes poorly
Condensed milk, opened 3-5 days 1 month
Evaporated milk, opened 3-5 days Freezes poorly
Whipping cream 10 days 2 months
Whipped cream < 1 day 1 month
Cream cheese 2 weeks Freezes poorly
Cream - half and half 3-4 days 4 months
Margarine 4-5 months 12 months
Butter 1-3 months 6-9 months
Pudding Package date; 2 days Freezes poorly
after opening
Sour cream 7-21 days Freezes poorly
Yogurt 1 week after sell by date 1-2 months
Dough
Tube cans of rolls, biscuits, pizza dough, etc. Use by date Freezes poorly
Ready-to-bake pie crust Use by date 2 months
Cookie dough Use by date unopened 2 months
or opened
Fish
1-2 days 6 months
1-2 days 2-3 months
3-4 days 4-6 months
14 days or date on 2 months in vacuum
6 www.rwsmithco.com [email protected]
cold STORAGE - Recommended Storage Times
REFRIGERATOR FREEZER
FOOD PRODUCT
36-40°F 0°F
7 www.rwsmithco.com [email protected]
cold STORAGE - Recommended Storage Times
REFRIGERATOR FREEZER
FOOD PRODUCT
36-40°F 0°F
8 www.rwsmithco.com [email protected]
hot STORAGE
Safe temperatures and careful food handling are critical to destroy potential contaminants
and prevent the spread of bacteria. Follow these hot storage tips to keep guests healthy
and happy.
contamination.
Use properly installed sneeze guards to protect food display areas from contamination. http://www.rwsmithco.com/Buffet-Catering/Buffet-Display/Food-
Bars-and-Sneeze-Guards/c1373_1401_1617/
9 www.rwsmithco.com [email protected]
catering - Best Practices
From preparing food for wedding banquets to overseeing a buffet for a corporate event,
catering operations must take extra care to prevent foodborne illnesses and bacterial
contamination. Off-site food transportation poses an increased safety risk, as there is more
opportunity for food to be mishandled or exposed to the temperature Danger Zone.
Check with a local health inspector to ensure your catering operation meets
health code regulations.
Prevent food poisoning by maintaining optimal food temperatures for the duration
of the event. Stainless steel chafers and ice displays are excellent food safety tools
http://www.rwsmithco.com/Buffet-Catering/Buffet-
Service/Chafers-and-Fuels/Chafers/c1373_1374_1375_1376/
http://www.rwsmithco.com/Buffet-Catering/Buffet-Display/Ice-Displays/c1373_1401_1608/
Bring sufficient equipment such as holding cabinets or food carriers to further ensure
http://www.rwsmithco.com/Buffet-Catering/Catering-
Supplies/Induction-and-Portable-Cooking/Holding-Cabi
nets/c1373_2101_1459_1460/
http://www.rwsmithco.com/Buffet-Catering/Catering-
Supplies/Insulated-Food-Carriers/c1373_2101_2104/
10 www.rwsmithco.com [email protected]
catering - Best Practices
Reheat solid foods to at least 165oF and liquid
foods to a boil before serving.
http://www.rwsmithco.com
11 www.rwsmithco.com [email protected]
Food Safety during Storage
Preventing Cross-Contamination or Food Borne Illnesses
Build a system for storing, using and throwing out items to maintain food safety in any
commercial kitchen. Properly label, organize and stock ingredients and prep work in order
to reduce harmful bacteria and keep food fresh for as long as possible.
12 www.rwsmithco.com [email protected]
Food Safety during Storage
http://www.rwsmithco.com/Buffet-Catering/Buffet-
Service/Chafers-and-Fuels/Chafers/c1373_1374_1375_1376/
http://www.rwsmithco.com/Buffet-Catering/Buffet-
Service/Chafers-and-Fuels/Chafers/c1373_1374_1375_1376/
165o F
http://www.rwsmithco.com/Buffet-Catering/Buffet-
Service/Chafers-and-Fuels/Chafers/c1373_1374_1375_1376/
13 www.rwsmithco.com [email protected]
Food Safety during Storage
Storage Containers
spilling. For refrigerator or freezer storage, be certain the containers are designed for
use in this equipment.
Label and date all containers appropriately and implement the FIFO storage system
http://www.rwsmithco.com/Kitchen-Supplies/Food-
Pans-Bins-and--
Storage/Food-Labeling/c1340_1352_1631/
Utilize color-coded storage containers or lids to keep ingredients organized and fresh.
This is very important when it comes to food allergies.
14 www.rwsmithco.com [email protected]
Allergy Prevention
With food allergies becoming a popular topic in the foodservice industry, establishments need
to properly prepare for customers that have an allergy. One of the most important points is to
store and prep ingredients separate from others to avoid cross-contact.
Always keep allergen-free food in air-tight purple storage containers to help your staff
http://www.rwsmithco.com/i229/Allergen-
Products/
Shared workspace and cooking tools should not be used, but if you must, be sure to
wash and sanitize all utensils and prep areas thoroughly.
Label all equipment and supplies that will store allergen-free foods. This includes
http://www.rwsmithco.com/mz151/Allergen-Safe-
Storage-Boxes/
• Peanut • Wheat
• Tree Nuts • Soy
• Milk • Fish
• Egg • Shellfish
15 www.rwsmithco.com [email protected]
cleaning and sanitizing
Follow these guidelines for ensuring food preparation areas and supplies are ready for use.
Prevent bacterial growth in storage units by routinely cleaning and sanitizing shelves.
Remove food and other contaminants from surfaces; then clean with an appropriate
http://www.rwsmithco.com/Maintenance/Cleaning-and-Safety-
Supplies/c1411_1994/
After rinsing with hot water, use a sanitizing solution based on the manufacturer’s
directions to reduce the number of bacteria present.
16 www.rwsmithco.com [email protected]
Food Storage & Safety Resources
USDA
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/shared/PDF/Refrigeration_and_Food_Safety.pdf
FDA
http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm114299.htm
Gourmet Sleuth
http://www.gourmetsleuth.com/articles/detail/food-storage-guidelines
Foodsafety.gov
http://www.foodsafety.gov/
CA Department of Education
http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/nu/fd/mb00404.asp
NFSMI
http://www.nfsmi.org/documentlibraryfiles/pdf/20080610114058.pdf
FoodSafety.com
http://www.foodsafety.com/
ServeSafe
http://www.servsafe.com/home
17 www.rwsmithco.com [email protected]