On This Day...
Certain food or medicine products may not function the same after this date.
Expiration Date
Cooking food to a high internal temperature is the best way to kill bacteria.
FACT
The freezer should be at or below this temperature.
0° F (-18° C)
Eat your food before this date for the best flavor and quality.
Best if Used by Date
Microwaves can kill bacteria in food.
FICTION- The heat may kill some bacteria, but microwaves often heat food unevenly, leaving some bacteria alive.
The fridge should be at or below this temperature.
40° F (4° C)
This date on the packaging tells stores when they should remove the item from the shelves.
You can eat bread from a loaf that had mold- just cut off the moldy part.
FICTION- The roots of the mold may have spread to the rest of the loaf.
If the power goes out, do this to keep your fridge and freezer colder for longer.
Keep the door closed.
Food left out at room temperature for this long may not be safe to eat anymore.
Two Hours
"Pre-washed" or "ready-to-eat" greens (lettuce, spinach) are safe to eat without washing.
FACT
These are signs that a canned item is no longer safe to eat.
Severe rust, severe denting, swelling, fractures, or leakage.
Milk can be stored in your fridge for this long.
Seven days
Leftovers are safe to eat if they look and smell okay.
FICTION- The bacteria that cause illness are often invisible, odorless, and tasteless.
Raw foods (such as uncooked meats) should be stored in this part of the fridge.
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