Safe Food Handling and Storage Tips

These food storage tips can help you steer clear of foodborne illnesses.

1. Storage Basics

Refrigerate or freeze perishables right away.

Foods that require refrigeration should be put in the refrigerator as soon as you get them home. Stick to the "two-hour rule" for leaving items needing refrigeration out at room temperature. Never allow meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, or produce or other foods that require refrigeration to sit at room temperature for more than two hours—one hour if the air temperature is above 90° F.