The refrigerators are the important part of the food business. The refrigerators are important because they decrease the temperature of the food products so that the growth of the bacteria is decreased and the food products will have a longer shelf life. The temperature is very important to ensure the long life of the food products. Keeping the temperature consistent is important for the food storage along with cleanliness. Different food products need different temperatures for storage.
The handling of the food is important for the shelf life of the food products. There are certain steps that need to be taken to avoid any foodborne diseases. The bacteria are invisible to the naked eye and they do not have any taste and smell. So it is important that the food products are handled carefully and there is no a chance of any type of contamination. Contamination can lead to foodborne illnesses so it is essential to be careful.
The basic things to remember to avoid food contamination are:
Cleanliness:
The hands should be washed frequently along with the surface on which the food is put.
Keeping the foods separate:
Keeping the food products separately can prevent chances of cross contamination.
The right temperature:
It is very important to have the right cooking temperature. The temperature is also important for the storage. The food should be chilled at the right temperature so that the shelf life is increased.
Storage of the food products:
The perishable food products should be refrigerated within two hours, especially when the temperature is above 90 F.
The temperature of the refrigerator or the freezer in which the food products are stored should be checked. The appliance should have a fridge thermometer. The thermometer is very useful in keeping a check on the temperature of the fridge. The temperature is important for the food. The temperature of the fridge should be 40 degrees F and it can below that as well. The temperature of the freezer should be at 0 degrees F.
The cooked poultry, fish, and meats for days other meats such as beef, veal, pork or the lamb should be stored for three to five days.
The meat and the poultry are a perishable food and they should be wrapped securely in the plastic wrap so that the juice of the meat is preserved. It will also prevent the meat from absorbing the juices from other food products.
The quality of the perishable food is maintained if these ingredients are stored in their original packaging. It can be wrapped again with foil or plastic wrap. It is good for storing the food in the tall upright freezer.
If you are planning to store the canned food as long as the canned food is not exposed to the freezing temperature. It should also not be exposed to the temperature higher than 90 F. if the cans are not in the best condition and they appear rusted or dented then they should be discarded.
Thawing the food products:
When the food products are frozen, then before use the food products need to be thawed. The frozen meat needs to be thawed so that the food products can be used.
There are different methods of thawing the food products.
The Refrigerator:
The frozen food can be placed in the refrigerator and the temperature of the fridge allows the fridge to slow and safe thawing. One thing that needs to be considered is that the meat and poultry juices which are produced while thawing does not drip on the other food products and contaminate them.
Cold water:
If you have less time than the best method for thawing the food products is to do it in the cold water. The water needs to be changed after every 30 minutes. The products should be used immediately after being thawed.
The microwave:
Thawing the food products in the microwave is also an excellent idea. Once the products are thawed, then they should not be left out. The food can be spoiled if left in the ambient temperature.
Handling the meat products:
While handling the meat it is better to use gloves. The gloves are important for keeping the hands clean and saving the food from cross food contamination. While handling the proteins it is important to change the gloves as well.
While the food products are bought it is always better to look at the safe food handling label on the packages. The products which have the tag means that they are being processed by taking all of the safety measures. The label will tell you that the meat is processed safely and is safe to eat. It will also give proper instructions on how the food products should be handled and cooked.
Before freezing the food products ensure that they are wrapped tightly and the food products are safe and airtight. The meat should be wrapped tightly t it does not dry out and get all of the juices of the meat are well preserved. The meat should be picked up last so that the meat can put back in the refrigerator quickly. The meat should be stored separately from the other products.
Storing the meat products:
The meat should be stored with clean hands and the hands should be dry as well. The meat should be stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator. The meat can also be stored in the meat bin of the fridge
The fresh and the raw meat stored in the multideck fridge can be used within three to four days after being purchased. The ground meats, organ meats, and the sausages should be thrown away after two days.
The meat frozen in the plastic wraps should be stored at 0 degrees F. if the cooked meat is being stored, then it should be consumed within 3 to 4 days of being stored.
The hygiene is very important for keeping the food fresh and nutritious.
