8 Common Foods That Need Proper Storage to Prevent Food Poisoning

Milk

Sterilized milk, for instance, usually has a shelf life of about 6 months to a year, while condensed milk can last up to 3 years. It’s important to note that these durations apply to unopened packages.

Once sterilized milk is opened, it should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature below 5 degrees Celsius and consumed within a week.

As for powdered milk, it’s best to use it within 4 weeks of opening the package.

For further reference: ? First aid tips for food poisoning

Yogurt

Commercially produced yogurt typically lasts up to a month when stored in the refrigerator, provided it remains unopened. Homemade yogurt, on the other hand, has a shorter shelf life of about a week.

Once opened, yogurt should be consumed within 5 days. However, if you notice any mold growth, changes in color, or unusual odors, it’s best to discard it immediately.

Ground Beef

Ground beef can be stored in the refrigerator for approximately 2 days or frozen for several months. However, if it starts to change color, develops a slimy texture, or emits a sour odor, it has spoiled and should be discarded.

Eggs

While storing eggs in the refrigerator is a common practice, how long can they be safely kept? The maximum recommended duration for fresh eggs in the fridge is 3 weeks.

To test the freshness of long-stored eggs before using them, simply place the whole egg in a glass of water. If it sinks, it’s still fresh; if it floats, it has spoiled.

Bacon

Bacon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks if it remains unopened. Once opened and partially used, keep an eye out for signs of spoilage, such as a green tint, sliminess, or softened texture, as these indicate that it’s time to discard the bacon.

Spices

While some spices are familiar, they may not be used frequently, leading to long-term storage after opening. Here are the typical shelf lives of some common kitchen spices:

– Salt: Up to 3 years once opened, and almost indefinitely if kept unopened.

– Ketchup: 1 month after opening, and 1 year if unopened.

– Mayonnaise: 1 month once opened, and 4 months if unopened.

– Mustard: 2 years if unopened, and 1 year after opening.

– Tabasco sauce: Until it darkens in color.

However, if any spice develops an unusual odor during storage, discard it immediately, as using it could be harmful.

Lettuce

Pre-packaged green vegetables or lettuce tend to have a very short shelf life. If the leaves start to darken or show signs of decay, it’s best to avoid consuming them.

Olive Oil

Olive oil typically has a shelf life of 1 to 2 years, but it can quickly turn rancid in hot and humid conditions. Therefore, it’s essential to store it in a cool, dry place to prolong its freshness.

While money can buy many things, good health is not always one of them. So, even if it pains you to do so, discard expired or spoiled food items instead of risking your well-being.

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Reference: 24h.com.vn