Food Service Storage

Course Description:

Food storage affects both quality and safety. Food stored improperly will lose its quality, spoil more rapidly, and can cause a foodborne illness when harmful bacteria are allowed to grow. Sometimes two different kinds of food stored together can result in cross-contamination, with one food contaminating others in storage. Improperly stored food can also come in contact with other harmful substances such as toxic chemicals—for example, cleaning supplies and pesticides. Today, you’ll learn how to store food properly to preserve quality and prevent contamination that can lead to food poisoning.

Why “Food Service Storage” Matters:

Food storage affects both quality and safety. Food stored improperly will lose its quality, spoil more rapidly, and can cause a foodborne illness when harmful bacteria are allowed to grow. Sometimes, two different kinds of food stored together can result in cross-contamination, with one food contaminating others in storage. Improperly stored food can also come in contact with other harmful substances such as toxic chemicals—for example, cleaning supplies and pesticides.

Key Points:

• Proper food storage helps prevent foodborne illness.
• Follow state regulations governing food storage.
• Label and date food when it is put into storage.
• Keep food storage areas clean.
• Make sure refrigerators and freezers are maintained at the proper temperature.
• Discard food that has been stored too long.