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date stamped on them. Store them in the fridge and use within the recommended
time.
•
Butter can become tainted by strong smelling foods so it is best stored in a sealed
container.
•
Eggs can be stored in the fridge.
Red meat
•
Place fresh red meat on a plate and loosely cover with waxed paper, plastic wrap
or foil.
•
Store cooked and raw meat on separate plates. This will prevent any juice lost
from the raw meat from contaminating the cooked product.
Poultry
•
Fresh whole birds should be rinsed inside and out with cold running water, dried
and placed on a plate. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or foil.
•
Poultry pieces should also be stored this way. Whole poultry should never be
stuffed until just before cooking, otherwise food poisoning may result.
•
Cool and refrigerate cooked poultry quickly. Remove stuffing from poultry and
store separately.
Fish and seafood
•
Whole fish and fillets should be used on the day of purchase. Until required,
refrigerate on a plate loosely covered with plastic wrap, waxed paper or foil.
•
If storing overnight or longer, take particular care to select very fresh fish. Whole
fish should be rinsed in cold water to remove loose scales and dirt and then patted
dry with paper towels. Place whole fish or fillets in a sealed plastic bag.
•
Keep shellfish chilled at all times. Use within 1 – 2 days.
Precooked foods and leftovers
•
These should be stored in suitable covered containers so that the food will not dry
out.
•
Keep for only 1 – 2 days.
•
Reheat leftovers only once and until steaming hot.
Vegetable and fresh fruit
•
The vegetable container is the optimum storage location for fresh fruit and
vegetables.
•
Take care not to store the following at temperatures of less than 7°C for long
periods: Citrus fruit, melons, aubergines, pineapple, papaya, courgettes, passion
fruit, cucumber, peppers, tomatoes.
•
Undesirable changes will occur at low temperatures such as softening of the flesh,
browning and/or accelerated decaying.
•
Do not refrigerate avocados (until they are ripe), bananas, mangoes.
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