How To Know If Foods Are Safe To Eat: Safety Rules To Follow

When I was married, our house was always filled with food, it was one of my husband’s rules! It was much easier to shop for food for two people and it was less likely that anything lasted long enough to expire.

But now that I live alone, I find myself having to be much more mindful of the amount of food and type of food that I buy and eat.

It’s not always easy trying to figure out if something is still safe to consume or not, especially since it can often look like it’s okay when it isn’t.

So, if you’re also living alone and wondering how to know if food is safe to eat, then this article is for you.

Here, I will cover some of the most common signs and symptoms that can help you identify whether food has gone bad or not.

I want to let you know that just tasting or even smelling your food is not necessarily a safe way to assess whether it’s safe to eat or not.

So, don’t assume that if it tastes okay or does not smell bad to you that it’s good.

Why Is Food Safety Important?

Food safety is essential for maintaining our health and well-being. Our bodies rely on the nutrients in food to function, so it’s important that we feel safe when eating.

When food isn’t handled properly or kept at the correct temperature, bacteria can grow and cause dangerous illnesses like salmonella or E. coli.

Did you know that an estimated 1 in 6 Americans will get sick from food poisoning this year alone?

foodsafety.gov

Food safety also prevents cross-contamination, which can spread illnesses from one food to another.

By following basic food safety principles, we can help keep our families safe and healthy. This is especially important if you or others you know have compromised immune systems or health conditions that put them at a higher risk for food-borne illnesses.

By being diligent in our food preparation and handling, we can help ensure everyone’s safety and enjoy our meals with peace of mind!

Factors That Impact Food Safety

Food safety is an incredibly important factor to consider in any food production setting. There are several different factors that can have a major impact on the safety of the food produced, including:

The Environment

If your home is too humid or warm, it can create an environment that is favorable for foodborne pathogens. This means that any of your stored foods could be at risk.

Too much moisture or too much warmth can provide the perfect conditions for bacteria to grow and spread quickly. To reduce the risk of a food safety issue, make sure you store your food in cool and dry places.

Temperature Control

Maintaining proper temperature is essential for food safety. Any perishable food should be kept at 40°F or below to prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms.

Also, when cooking, make sure that you reach proper high temperatures to kill any harmful pathogens.

Equipment & Utensils

It is essential to use proper and clean equipment and utensils when preparing food. In order for food safety standards to be met, you must regularly sanitize any surfaces or items that come into contact with food.

This includes dishes, cutting boards, knives, and other tools used for food preparation.

Personal Hygiene Practices

Personal hygiene is also a vital factor when it comes to food safety. Make sure you always wash your hands with warm water and soap before handling any food. Don’t wash hands with a sanitizer, it’s better with soap and water.

It’s important to avoid cross-contamination by using the same utensils or plates for different types of foods.

Additionally, make sure to wear protective clothing such as an apron when cooking to avoid getting any dirt or germs on food.

Equipment Maintenance And Sanitation

It is also important to make sure your equipment is properly sanitized and maintained. Clean all surfaces that come in contact with food with a disinfectant regularly.

Make sure the dishwasher reaches its required safe temperature to properly sanitize dishes, glasses, and utensils.

Additionally, make sure you replace any cracked or broken tools to ensure proper sanitation and safety.

Pest Control

Pests, such as rodents or insects, can spread diseases and contaminate food. Make sure to store all food items in sealed containers and dispose of any garbage often.

Regularly inspect your kitchen for pests and call a professional if you suspect an infestation.

Cleanliness

Maintaining a clean kitchen environment is essential for food safety. Ensure that all surfaces, equipment, and utensils are properly sanitized before and after use to prevent the growth of bacteria.

Make sure to regularly mop floors and wipe down countertops with disinfectants to keep them free from germs.

Lastly, make sure all cutting boards and surfaces are thoroughly washed and dried before reuse.

Food Handling

It is important to handle food properly and store it in the appropriate manner. Use different cutting boards for cooked and raw foods, and make sure to wash your hands before handling food or utensils.

Avoid cross-contamination by not using the same utensil on multiple types of food without washing between uses. Additionally, always use clean plates and utensils when serving food.

Food Packaging

Food packaging is an important factor when it comes to food safety. Make sure that all ready-to-eat foods are properly labeled and stored with the expiration dates clearly visible.

Also, any frozen items should be kept in their original packaging until they’re ready to be cooked or served.

When buying pre-packaged foods, check for any signs of damage or compromise in the packaging, as this may mean that the food wasn’t stored correctly and could be contaminated.

Food Storage

Proper storage is an important factor when it comes to food safety. Different types of foods need to be stored in different ways.

For example, raw meat and poultry should always be stored separately from fruits and vegetables, while they both should be stored below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Most perishable foods also require refrigeration within two hours of purchase or preparation.

Date Markings (Food Expiration Dates)

When it comes to food safety, date markings are an important factor to consider. Date markings tell you when food needs to be eaten or discarded.

Not all foods require date markings, however, it’s important to understand what these markings mean for the foods that do require them.

For example, a “sell by” or “expiration” date tells you when the food should be eaten by and a “best before” or “use by” date tells you when the food should be discarded.

It’s important to note that these dates are generally not indicative of food safety or quality and are more for guidance than anything else.

Cross-Contamination

Cross-contamination is one of the leading causes of foodborne illness, so it’s important to be aware of potential sources and how you can prevent them.

Cross-contamination is when food or other related items come in contact with foods that haven’t been properly prepared, cooked, or stored.

For example, if you’re preparing a meal and you happen to touch raw meat and then touch other foods without washing your hands afterward, you could be cross-contaminating those foods.

Other potential sources of cross-contamination are unclean surfaces or utensils and using the same cutting board for raw meat and vegetables.

It’s important to know how to prevent cross-contamination in order to keep your family safe from foodborne illnesses. Start by keeping raw meats, poultry, and seafood separate from all other foods.

When you’re shopping for groceries, be sure to keep raw items away from fresh produce and prepared foods.

And when you are preparing your meals, make sure to wash your hands and surfaces thoroughly before moving on to the next ingredient or item.

Finally, proper storage is key to maintaining food safety. Keep raw meats, poultry, and seafood stored at the bottom of your refrigerator or in a separate container to prevent juices from leaking onto other foods.

Read about how to organize your fridge for food safety!

Be sure to refrigerate perishable items as soon as possible when you get home from the store, and always check expiration dates before eating something.

Following these simple tips will help ensure that you and anyone you invite into your home for a meal can enjoy safe, healthy meals. Bon appetite!

How Long Can You Eat Food After The Expiration Date?

So, what’s the real scoop about those expiration dates?

The truth is, expiration dates can be confusing. For starters, they don’t always tell you when food has gone bad, but rather when it’s at its peak quality.

Generally speaking, food will stay safe to eat for a while after the expiration date has passed – so long as you take proper storage precautions and follow certain rules.

For example, shelf-stable foods like canned goods, marshmallows, cereals, pastas, chips, and crackers can be safely consumed several months after the expiration date has passed.

When it comes to perishable items like meat, poultry, eggs, and seafood, they should typically be used within one to two days of the expiration date.

As for dairy products and prepared foods, you should use them within a few days of the expiration date passing.

In general, expiration dates typically indicate either a “sell by,” “use by,” or “best before” date.

What does The Sell By Date Mean?

When it comes to “sell by,” this date is intended for the store’s inventory purposes and indicates when a product should be removed from shelves, as it may no longer be at peak freshness.

What Does Use By Date Mean?

The “use by” date is typically a guide for when food should be eaten or frozen, if necessary, for optimal taste and quality.

What Does Best Before Date Mean?

Finally, the “best before” date indicates when a product will be at peak freshness; it does not necessarily mean that the food is unsafe to eat after this date passes.

General Guidelines For Expired Foods

Meat (steak, pork, veal and lamb) – can keep in the refrigerators for 3 to 5 days after purchased.

The only exception here is ground beef which lasts 1 to 2 days in the fridge after purchase.

Meat is likely to have a “use or freeze by” or “best if used by” package label, which lists the last date recommended by packagers or grocers for eating at peak quality, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Often, you can still use the meat after that date, though it may not taste as good.

everydayhealth.com

Poultry – can keep for 1 to 2 days in the fridge after purchasing.

Fish – can keep for 1 to 2 days after purchase. If you buy it frozen, then it should keep for 3 to 8 months.

Shellfish – can keep for 1 to 2 days after purchase. If you buy it frozen, then it should keep for 3 to 12 months.

Milk – can usually last 3 to 7 days past the expiration date. But, if it smells bad, no matter what the date is, toss it.

Cheese – hard cheeses are good for up to 6 months after their sell-by dates but cream cheese only lasts 2 weeks after that date.

Eggs – are good for 3 to 5 weeks in the refrigerator after purchase. This includes eggs with double yolks.

Sour cream – is normally good for up to 3 weeks after the sell-by date and if it’s being stored in the refrigerator.

Packaged foods – can last up to 5 years in an environment that’s at room temperature. However, I’ll mention it again, use your judgment in determining if it’s good enough to eat.

How Cold Should Your Refrigerator Be?

So, now that I’ve given you the information above about keeping items in your refrigerator for a length of time, it’s important to also know what your refrigerator temperatures should be to keep your food safe.

The temperature of your refrigerator should be kept between 33-40°F. You can check the temperature with a thermometer or by using the settings on your fridge.

Keeping food at these temperatures ensures that bacteria won’t start to grow and spoil your food.

Signs Of Unsafe Food

The types of signs that something may be unsafe to eat can vary depending on the type of food in question. Fresh fruit will show signs differently from a box of cereal.

Generally speaking, here are 5 signs that could indicate the food item is unsafe to eat.

Physical Indicators

Some signs of physical indicators in food tell you it just may not be safe to eat.

• Bad smell – An unpleasant or strange odor, like a sour or putrid scent, could be an indication that the food is bad.
• Bad or funky taste – If the food has a strange or bad taste, it’s best to throw it out.
• Discoloration – If a food item has lost its color (like fruit turning brown), it may be spoiled.
• Changes in texture – Sticky films on food, slimy surfaces, or a hard texture can be signs of spoilage.
• Mold – White, black, or green mold indicates that the food is not safe to eat.
• Rodent droppings – These are usually easy to spot and are proof that you’ve got contaminated food.
• Swelling or bulging – This is most often found on canned goods and happens when the food has gone bad.

Fresh produce can become unsafe to eat if it is not handled and stored correctly.

This can lead to spoilage or contamination with harmful bacteria or other pathogens. Unsafe food may also have a bad odor, mold, discoloration, or an off-taste.

Raw meat and fish can also become unsafe if it is not stored correctly.

Signs of unsafe food include a bad smell, off-color, or slimy texture. Spoiled meat may have an unusually strong odor and appear to be discolored from its normal color.

Some moldy foods may be safe to eat, within certain parameters but I would certainly recommend that you avoid eating spoiled or moldy food.

If you have any doubts about a food product, it’s best to throw it away and get something else.

When reheating leftovers, make sure they are cooked thoroughly. If food has been sitting out for more than two hours, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria.

Signs of unsafe food may include an off odor or flavor, discoloration, and/or an odd texture.

When in doubt, throw it out! If you have any doubts about the safety of the food you are eating, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Always check the expiration date on food items, and if you have any questions concerning a certain item, contact your local health department for more information.

It’s always best to practice food safety and prevent contamination in the first place.

Additionally, avoid consuming raw eggs or unpasteurized juices, and always be sure to wash your hands with soap and warm water before and after handling food.

Make sure that you use separate cutting boards for fresh meat, fruits, and vegetables, as cross-contamination is a major cause of foodborne illness.

By being aware of the signs of unsafe food and practicing safe food handling techniques, you can help keep yourself and your loved ones healthy.

If you think that you or someone in your family has consumed unsafe food, contact a doctor immediately for medical advice. Remember, when in doubt, throw it out!

It’s always a good idea to stay aware and alert when selecting and consuming food items.

Pay attention to the packaging labels, expiration dates, and storage instructions to ensure that you are eating safe, healthy food.

With just a few simple steps, you can reduce the risk of foodborne illness!

Take your health into your own hands and stay informed about the signs of unsafe food. By following these guidelines, you should have no problem keeping yourself and your loved ones safe and healthy.

If you are ever concerned that you or someone else may have consumed unsafe food, contact a doctor immediately for medical advice. Remember, when in doubt, throw it out!

How Do You Prevent Food Poisoning?

The best way to prevent food poisoning is to be aware of the risks involved when preparing and eating food.

To reduce your risk, you should always:

• Wash your hands before and after handling raw meat, poultry, eggs, and fish.
• Cook foods thoroughly — especially meats — to a safe internal temperature of at least 75 °C (165°F).
• Keep hot foods on a warming tray before serving.
• Separate raw meats from cooked and ready-to-eat foods.
• Refrigerate food as soon as possible, and make sure your refrigerator is set to 4 °C (40°F) or lower.
• Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator, not on the kitchen countertop.
• Avoid cross-contamination by using separate plates and utensils for raw meats.
• Avoid eating raw or undercooked eggs and seafood.

You may also be wondering if microwaving your food kills harmful bacteria. Not necessarily.

Microwaves aren’t what kill bacteria – it’s the heat generated by microwaves that kills bacteria in foods. Microwave ovens are great time-savers and will kill bacteria in foods when heated to a safe internal temperature. However, foods can cook unevenly because they may be shaped irregularly or vary in thickness. Even microwave ovens equipped with a turntable can cook unevenly and leave cold spots in food, where harmful bacteria can survive.

Washington State Department of Health

By taking the proper precautions, you can help reduce your chances of getting food poisoning.

Keep in mind that food safety is a shared responsibility — industry, government, and individuals all have a role to play in ensuring safe food handling practices.

Food Safety Tips In The Kitchen

When preparing food in the kitchen, it’s important to practice good food safety. Here are a few key tips for keeping your kitchen and your meals safe:

• Wash your hands before and after handling food, especially raw meats.
• Always keep raw and cooked foods separate to avoid cross-contamination.
• Keep kitchen surfaces clean and sanitize them regularly.
• When storing leftovers, make sure to refrigerate or freeze the food within two hours of cooking it.
• Separate raw and cooked foods when storing them.
• Use a food thermometer when cooking meat, poultry, and seafood to ensure they are cooked to the correct temperature.
• Make sure food is cooked evenly by stirring and flipping it during cooking.
• Avoid eating raw cookie dough or cake batter, as they may contain bacteria that can make you sick.
• Use separate cutting boards and utensils. Use one for prepared foods and another for raw meats.
• Thoroughly rinse fruits and vegetables before eating them to reduce the risk of contamination.
• When throwing out leftovers, make sure they are disposed of properly in a sealed container to avoid attracting pests.
• Be vigilant of expiration dates. Bacteria can grow quickly on food that has been left out for a long time.
• Keep your kitchen clean and sanitized by wiping down countertops, sinks, and appliances with a cleaning solution regularly.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure a safe kitchen experience and delicious meals!

Read More About Specific Types Of Food

• Are Cracked Eggs Safe To Eat?
• Are Black Bananas Safe To Eat?
• Are Double Yolk Eggs Safe To Eat?
• Are Expired Chips Safe To Eat?
• Are Expired Crescent Rolls Safe To Eat?
• Are Expired Tortillas Safe To Eat or Will You Get Sick?

Frequently Asked Questions

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