Food safety is a key aspect in ensuring the health and well-being of communities. Proper food storage helps prevent food-borne illnesses and reduce food waste. In this article, we will discuss healthy and safe food storage practices.

   Dry food storage

  Dry food storage refers to products such as bread, pasta, rice, flour and other foods that do not need to be stored in the refrigerator. Store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Use airtight containers to prevent pests from entering.

   Storing food in the refrigerator

  Some products, such as meat, dairy, prepared foods, fruits and vegetables, require storage in the refrigerator. Always check the temperature of your refrigerator; it should be set at 4°C or lower. It is especially important to store meat and fish in the coolest part of the refrigerator, usually on the bottom shelf.

   Storing staggered products

  Staggered products, such as milk, yogurt, butter, eggs, meat and prepared foods, should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed before the expiration date. They will be safe to eat until that date, provided they have been stored properly, but they can create a risk of bacterial contamination after that date.

   Proper storage of fruits and vegetables

  Some fruits and vegetables need to be stored in the refrigerator, while others are better stored at room temperature. In general, fruits and vegetables that squish easily, such as berries, grapes, apples, carrots, broccoli and lettuce, should be stored in the refrigerator. Root vegetables such as potatoes, onions and garlic are best stored in a cool, dry place. Bananas, oranges, lemons, apples, pineapples, melons, avocados and tomatoes store well at room temperature.

   Proper storage of canned foods

  Canned foods are long-lasting and easy to store. Cans should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from extreme temperatures.

  In summary, safe food storage is key to maintaining health and preventing food waste. Following these simple rules can help ensure that the food you eat and share with others is as safe and healthy as possible.