Factors That Affect Food Storage:
Temperature: The temperature at which food is stored is very critical to shelf life. Cooked food needs to be above 65 degrees celsius to maintain its life, every 10 degrees change will affect the food. In case of cold storage place in 0-5 Degrees
Moisture: It is recommended to remove moisture when storing foods. For long-term storage, foods should have a 10% or less moisture content.
Oxygen: Foods store best when oxygen-free. Removing oxygen will prevent oxidation of compounds in foods. Ways to remove oxygen:
- Displacing oxygen – Purge air from product with an inert gas (nitrogen). Dry ice is often used giving off carbon dioxide gas which displaces oxygen.
- Oxygen absorber – Air contains about 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen, leaving about 1% for the other gasses. If the oxygen is absorbed, what remains is 99% pure nitrogen in a partial vacuum.
Light: Light, a form of energy that can degrade the food value of foods. Store food in dark areas.
pH: The acidity of food plays an important role in shelf life. Food products spoilage will automatically change the ph of the food and make it more susceptible for microbial groeth
Container: Store foods in food-grade plastic, metal, or glass containers indicating that the container does not contain chemicals that could be transferred to food and harmful to your health. For best storage life, use containers with a hermetic (air tight) seal. Containers with air tight seals are:
Warning – Botulism poisoning may result if moist products are stored in packaging that reduces oxygen. When stored in airtight containers with oxygen absorbers, products must be dry (about 10% or less moisture content).
Infestation: Several common insects infest home-stored dried foods. To control with cold treatment, put infested items in a deep freeze (0 degrees) for three to four days which will kill any live insects, larva and eggs.
Shelf date is the “best if used by” date means that you are getting most of the original taste and nutrition. The “life-sustaining shelf life” date means the length of time that food is still edible
