Special Care for Special Foods

Ground Beef and Poultry

• Store in coldest part of refrigerator.
• Use within one to two days (or freeze).
• Rewrap if original package is destroyed or damaged.
• Place on a shelf under prepared foods in refrigerator to prevent drippings from cross-contaminating foods that will be served uncooked.
• Stuff poultry just before cooking.
   

Hot Dogs and Luncheon Meats

•  Store in original vacuum-sealed package for up to two weeks.
• Once opened, rewrap well and use within three to five days.
• Use hot dogs no later than one week after the "sell-by" date on package. If liquid around hot dogs becomes cloudy, discard them.
   

Eggs and Egg-Rich Foods

• Do not buy cracked or dirty eggs.
• Fresh eggs will keep in the refrigerator about five weeks.
• Avoid serving raw eggs or foods containing raw eggs.
• Keep eggs refrigerated at a temperature no higher than 40°F.
• Do not keep raw or cooked eggs out of the refrigerator longer than two hours.
• Do not wash eggs before storing or using them.
• Refrigerate hard-boiled eggs and use them within one week
   

Mayonnaise-based Foods

• Avoid freezing mayonnaise-based foods--separation will occur.
• Use mayonnaise within two months after opening jar.
• Mayonnaise contains lemon juice or other acid flavoring agents and salt. This combination acts to retard bacterial growth, thereby increasing the resistance to spoilage.

• Article History
• Revision Date: 6/22/2010