CONSUMER SERVICES

SHOPPING

• Go to the grocery store last; then head home.
• Put cold things in the grocery cart last.
• Don't buy leaky, puffy, torn or damaged packages.
• Bag household cleaners separately from foods. You don't want bleach to spill on your corn dogs!
• Bag meat and poultry separately from other foods. Meat packages can be leaky.

STORAGE

• Don't leave the groceries in the car or on the kitchen counter, hoping someone else will put them away.
• Freeze or refrigerate cold things IMMEDIATELY.
• Put leaky meat packages on plates or trays, or re-wrap them before they go in the refrigerator or freezer.
• Wash produce before storing for a quick snack later.

COOKING

• Defrost frozen foods in the refrigerator or in the microwave, NOT on the counter.
• Cook raw meats until the middle is no longer pink.
• Don't use the same utensils and plates for raw and cooked foods.
• Follow all the directions when you microwave. No directions? Stir or turn halfway through the cooking cycle.

LEFTOVERS AND CLEANUP

• Don't leave foods out at room temperature for longer than two hours.
• Refrigerate leftovers as soon as possible.
• Reheat leftovers until hot and steamy throughout.
• Wash utensils, dishes and counter tops with hot soapy water and rinse thoroughly.
• Wash your hands before you handle food, and between handling raw meats and other foods.
• When in doubt, throw it out!