DON’T BE FOOLED BY ‘USE BY’ DATE OF FOOD PRODUCTS

Have you ever wondered why your milk has gone rancid in just a week after opening when the use by date says it is good for another week? Canned food or fluid that has been opened cannot stay fresh for long as oxygen comes in contact with the food and also with the tin which will start going rusty and contaminate the food. It is best to use the contents within 3 days. Cooked food stored in the fridge should be consumed within 3-5 days. Once opened, the food breaks down easily when it comes into contact with oxygen. This is especially so when you open and close the door of the fridge to take or keep food.

Don’t store food on the top shelf as it is warm. The topmost shelf is best for snacks and mineral water. Bear in mind that fridges are colder on the lower shelves so it is best to store your eggs in the cartons they come in, your milk, lefovers and meat there. Fruit and vegetables are best stored in the crispers or fridge drawers. Your butter and cheeses can be stored on the middle shelf.

The fridge door compartment is best for preserved food such as pickles or condiments as they contain lots of preservatives and orange juice as it is pasteurised and citric in nature so it hinders the growth of bacteria.

Opened cans of coconut milk and dips in containers are best consumed within 3 days. If you know you are going to use a little coconut milk or light cream, it is best to purchase a small can or bottle rather than a large one so that it can be used in one cooking session or for one meal. Bear in mind that the use by date instruction is meant for unopened cans or containers.

The reason I write a post about expiration dates in food is because I have seen enough of my milk and cocount milk go rancid, my hommus dip turn cottony and cheese and meat become mouldy way before their expiration dates. I have since been mindful about opened cans and containers. The best is to post reminders on the fridge to consume the contents quickly. I came across this cool website for magnetic boards or fridge magnets. You may want to check it out:

Beyondthefridge

For more information on food storage, here are two useful links:

Food Safety

Guide to Storing Food

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