#1: Refrigerate or freeze perishables as soon as you get them home from the store.

If something you bought was refrigerated at the store, it needs to be refrigerated as soon as you get home. This includes:

- Raw meat

- Eggs

- Raw poultry

- Raw seafood and fish

- Cooked food

- Cut fresh fruits and vegetables

The foods listed above (and any other perishables) should not go unrefrigerated more than 2 hours. Once you remove a food item from a store’s refrigerator, it needs to be in your refrigerator within 2 hours. If it is very hot out (above 90°F), it should be in your refrigerator within 1 hour.

If something you bought was frozen at the store, it needs to go back in the freezer as soon as you get home. Once you remove a food from a store’s freezer, it needs to be in your freezer within 2 hours (1 hour if above 90°F).

#2: Check the label

When you bring food home, check the food label. Many labels will say something like “Keep refrigerated” or “Keep frozen.” Sometimes you may be surprised by what needs to be refrigerated or frozen. Check the label every time to keep food safe.

What if there is no label?

Fresh fruits and vegetables do not always come with a label that says if it needs refrigeration. So, what should you do with them? The truth is, some fruits can be stored at room temperature for a few days. This resource contains more information on these fruits, including how long they can sit out. But, most fruits and vegetables must be refrigerated or frozen. This is especially true for cut fresh vegetables and fruits. If there is no label and you are not sure, you can call the FDA toll-free at 888-723-3366.

#3: Eat “ready-to-eat” first

Ready-to-eat food includes any food that does not need to be cooked before eating. Eat these foods first. The longer they stay in the refrigerator, the longer bacteria can grow on them. Ready-to-eat food includes lunch meat. If you are pregnant, you should avoid eating ready-to-eat lunch meat unless heated to steaming hot.

#4: Store eggs correctly

Eggs should be kept in their carton. They should be stored in the main part of the refrigerator (not the door.) The temperature is cooler in the main part of the refrigerator. This is safest for eggs. The door can get too warm.

#5: Keep foods covered

Before you put food in a refrigerator or freezer, make sure it is covered. This could mean a container with a lid, or a sealed storage bag.

#6: Follow “use by” dates for infant formula and baby food

Infant formula and some baby foods must be used by the “use by” date.

However, other foods do not have to be used by the "use by" date. The “use by” date for other foods has to do with flavor and quality, not food safety. Still, you should not eat food that you think might be spoiled. When in doubt, throw it out.

#7: Watch out for spoiled food

If any of your food looks unusual or smells bad to you, the safest option is to throw it out. Clean out your refrigerator frequently. Throw out anything that appears moldy or spoiled.

#8: Keep chemicals away from food

Do not store food next to cleaning products or other chemicals.

What if I do not have access to a refrigerator or freezer?

In this case, do not take home foods that need to be refrigerated or frozen. Choose foods that can be stored at room temperature. Or, eat the food within 2 hours of the last time it was refrigerated. If it is a hot day (above 90° F), eat it within 1 hour.

Recommendation

Get safe food storage information with FoodKeeper!

The FoodKeeper app contains information on how long you can store specific foods safely. This will help you keep foods fresher, longer! It is available for Android and Apple phones. Visit your app store and search for FoodKeeper to find it. This app is free for everyone to download. You can access a web-based version here. (Link will open in a new tab.)