This page contains money saving food tips and information about food safety.
How to Cook Freezer Burned MeatFreezer burned meat can be safely eaten, as long as it was properly frozen and defrosted. If possible, trimming off the burned portions will help prevent the taste that develops in freezer burned meats. This is a page about how to cook freezer burned meat.
Shelf Life of Imitation Crab Meat?The shelf life of imitation crab varies depending on packaging and storage. Unopened vacuum sealed packages are typically good in the fridge for two months or the "use by" date. Once opened, use within 3 days. If frozen, use within 6 months is recommended. This is a page about the shelf life of imitation crab meat.
Shelf Life of Tuna Packaged in Pouches?I have a couple of unopened pouches of tuna and albacore. I don't think they have expiration dates on them, so how long can go by before it's too late to open and use them?
How Long Will Vegetable Soup Keep in the Refrigerator?Vegetable soups kept in the refrigerator will usually last about 3-4 days before they need to be used. This is a page about how long will vegetable soup keep in the refrigerator?
Using Items After Expiration DateMany food items can be used after their expiration dates. It depends on the type of food and packaging. This page offers some tips about using items after their expiration date.
Evaporated Milk Has Brown Tint?I was given some evaporated milk and when opened it had a brown tinted color. I did thoroughly shake the can before opening. I looked at a web page about evaporated milk, and I could not see an answer. It was not passed the "use by" date on the can. It had a generic label but when I read on the back, it said Safeway Milk Company. Any ideas? Thanks!
Using an Old Can of Baked Beans?This is a page about using an old can of baked beans. If you have ever found an expired can of food at the back of the cupboard, you have probably wondered about the safety of eating the contents.
How Can I Tell If Dishes Are Food Safe?Is there a way to know if some dishes that I bought are food safe? They have stickers that say "QC Q32" and "QC Q35." Those are the only identifying marks, other that that they are made in China.
Shelf Life of Powdered Hot Chocolate Mix?This is a page about shelf life of powdered hot chocolate mix. Many products are labeled with "best by" or "best used by" information. However, many of these same products can still be used past that date.
Food Left Out Overnight?Occasionally leftovers do not make it into the fridge, and you need to know if it's still safe to eat. This page is about food left out overnight.
Shelf Life of Crisco Shortening?How long will Crisco last?
Refreezing Thawed MeatThis is a page about refreezing thawed meat. Many of us have had the occasion when we would like to refreeze some meat that was recently thawed.
Fresh Coconut Has Chemical Smell?Does anyone know why a coconut would smell something like a cleaning product when it is opened? I recently bought one. It is full of milk and white meat, but smells chemically.
Using Meat That Was in a Broken Freezer?My freezer stopped working. I did not know this until I saw a puddle of water. It is completely defrosted. The food was thawed but still cold. There was roast, chicken, and ground meat.
Can You Use Sugar Contaminated By Ants?Having ants get into your food is very frustrating. If they have gotten into the sugar, you may wonder about the safety of using it once the ants are removed. This is a page about "can you use sugar contaminated by ants?".
How Can You Know If a Raw Egg Is Safe to Use?How do you know when an egg is still fresh to use?
Shelf Life of Swanson Chicken Broth in Cartons?My brother drives a tractor-trailer and ended up with 3 cases of Swanson chicken broth in the carton like boxes. They expire this month; can freeze these and/or does the 2 year after the date rule apply to these like other canned food? Thanks.
Refrigerator Door Left Open?My husband accidentally left the the refrigerator door partially open. Do I throw all food away? I found this out at 6 am and we went to bed at 11 pm last night. I really need advice on this please.
Out of Date Ezy Sauce?Would an unopened 2016 bottle of ezy sauce be ok to use?
Shelf Life of Fruit Cups?Can you eat fruit cups past best by date?
Health Concerns About Food From China?Recently I've heard several people mention that they wouldn't eat Chinese canned goods. I buy different products from Dollarama (such as mandarin oranges, mushrooms, etc.) that come from China and am wondering what others think about using them? Thanks!
Using Expired Cocoa?The expiration date code on the back of my Hershey's cocoa is 32M1B2I. Is this still good?
Warning: Don't Reuse Coffee Grounds Day After DayCoffee grounds that are left in the maker day after day and reused can mold can make you ill. This is a page about warning: don't reuse coffee grounds day after day.
Using Expired Canned FoodMany consumers wonder if it is safe to eat canned foods that have passed the expiration date on the can. This is a page about using expired canned food.
Is It OK To Use Moldy Cheese?This is a page about, "Is it ok to use moldy cheese?". Depending on the type of cheese, it may be okay to eat it once the mold has been removed.
Effects of Thawing and Refreezing on Food?How does freezing over of refrigerator effect liquid cartons of eggs, citrus juice, and fruit juice? The refrigerator in an "assisted living" facility room froze unopened cartons of liquid eggs and unopened bottles of expensive OJ and unopened bottles of fruit juice.
Are My Apples Safe to Eat?Gardener's are often in a quandary as to whether certain home grown foods are safe to eat if their pet has been using the nearby area in the yard to do its business. This is a page about "Are my apples safe to eat?".
Thawing a TurkeySafely defrosting and storing your turkey before cooking will help you produce a perfect bird. This is a page about thawing a turkey.
Defrosting FoodThis page is about defrosting food. With all kinds of foods, you want to make sure that you limit its time in the temperature danger zone.
Kitchen Safety TipsThe home kitchen is one of the most used rooms in your home. It is also a potentially dangerous place. This is a page about kitchen safety tips.
Shelf Life of Imitation Crab MeatThis is a page about the shelf life of imitation crab meat. Imitation crab meat is a processed food that keeps well in the freezer. Once thawed the shelf life is dependent on the packaging, similarly once opened the shelf life is shortened again.
Barbecue Food Safety TipsThis is a page about barbecue food safety tips. Barbecuing is a favorite way to cook, that is not just for summer anymore. Cooking outside does require some safety precautions to ensure that the food is kept cold and handled properly under conditions less controlled than in your kitchen.
Preventing Food PoisoningThis is a page about preventing food poisoning. There are a number of steps you can follow to help prevent food poisoning.
Using Expired Yogurt?This is a page about using expired yogurt. Some of us have found ourselves wondering whether we can use a tub of yogurt that is past its expiration date.
Shelf Life of Canned Food?This is a page about shelf life of canned food. Canned food can last for a long time. There are some easy ways to tell if the food is still safe.
Testing Egg FreshnessThis page is about testing egg freshness. There are a number of ways to determine whether an egg is still consumable.
Watch For GMOs and Additives In Dry MilkI just read the post for using dried milk for cooking and saving organic liquid milk for drinking and use on cereal. My question is, have you read the label on the dried milk to make sure it is not made from cows treated with growth hormones, fed antibiotics, and herbicide in their feed stuff?
Shelf Life of Macaroni and Cheese?How long can you use mac and cheese after expiration date?
Using Expired Cocoa Powder?I have a container of Kroger cocoa powder with a sell by date of Nov. 29, 2004. The container is made of cardboard with a metal top and metal bottom.
Expired Eagle Brand Cream?I have a can of Eagle brand cream. It is a sweet cream used in baking cookies. The expiration date is 2009, is it usable?
Safety of Canned Salsa?We canned salsa yesterday and when the jars were on the cooling racks I noticed some tomato colored juice on the counter. If they all seem to have a tight seal, do you think they are safe?
Is It Safe to Drink Expired Gatorade?I was drinking a Gatorade dated December 10 2010, today's date is April 20, 2011. I'm really scared now due to the chemicals that are in these liquids. Is it dangerous?
Dark Spots on Cauliflower?Are the dark spots cauliflower safe to eat?
Chill Food SafelyI had worked in many restaurants through the years and know the importance of keeping food either hot or cold. While preparing a meal, I chill my leftover bowls and tops in the freezer and when I have finished eating fill them with the hot food.
Cheese Has White Edges After Freezing?I put some slice cheese in the freeze about 4 or 5 months ago in only the store wrapper. The cheese has a white powder on the edges now. Is it okay to use?
Making Tossed Salad?Is it safe to toss a salad with a large plastic bag prior to serving it?
Meat Preparation and Food Safety?After I wash my meat I lay it in the sink (after I clean it thoroughly) and season it. I usually buy family packages of meat and it is easier to prepare my meat this way versus using 2 plates. What do you use?
Shelf Life of Honey in Unopened Container?How long should honey still be good if left in a unopened can? What are the signs if it's no longer safe?
How Long Will Cooked Pork Keep?How long will a cooked boneless leg of pork keep?
Are the White Spots on My Corn Tortillas Mold?There are white spots on the corn tortillas, is this mold?
Can I Continue Using a Damaged Pot?I dumbly left a pot on the stovetop too long and the bottom of the pot burned. I boiled a mixture of vinegar and water in the pot and all the char came off. Only, now, there are little white holes on the bottom of the pot. Is it unsafe to keep using this pot? It is stainless steel.
Home Canned Cream of Chicken Soup Smells Bad?I canned cream of chicken soup with dry milk. When I opened a jar it tasted different and the smell was bad.
Is it Okay to Have a Freezer in the Garage?Would it be okay to put a freezer in garage?
Use Ice Cubes To Check Freezer OperationIf you're traveling, or need to leave your home when evacuated, place several ice cubes on a small plate and place them in the middle of your freezer. If you come home, and they are melted, immediately suspect that the food in your refrigerator may be bad.
Can I Serve Food on Unglazed Terra Cotta Flowerpot Saucers?Since it would not be safe to eat off of the glazed saucers, what about the plain terracotta saucers for pots?
Can I Use the Saucer from a Glazed Flowerpot to Serve Food?Is it safe to eat or place food on a glazed flowerpot's glazed saucer?
Shelf Life of Homemade Canned Soup?How long is homemade canned soup good for? I was recently given some that has been on the shelf for 2 years. Is it safe to eat?
Do Foods Need to Be Heated to Boiling Before Placing on a Steam Table?I hope you can help with this one, don't know where else to go. I started working at a snack bar that sells hot dogs, chili dogs, etc. We make our own chili for the chili dogs. Once made and cooled we put it in containers, date them and freeze them to use throughout the week.
Storing Food on Cracked Styrofoam Trays?Can you store ready to eat food on cracked Styrofoam trays?
Concerns Related to Storing Lettuce in Plastic Too Long?What's the name of the poison contracted from lettuce being stored in plastic too long?
Roasting Meat Without a Thermometer?I don't have a meat thermometer. What can I substitute? (chicken is already in the oven)
Are My Lemons Safe to Use?Last February during my daughter's wedding preparations, I had a lot of lemons which I sliced up ready to make marmalade and froze them. But I never got around to doing it with all the stuff going on. I forgot about them until I was cleaning out my freezer and came across them.
Keeping Mold Out of Packaged Foods?I have food stored in my basement, but I have mold in my basement that keeps coming back. The food is stored in a stand alone pantry with doors that don't close very well. Should I be worried about mold spores getting into my food, even if the food is unopened?
Eating Tomatoes From Plant With Blight?My tomato plants have blight. If they live until harvest, are the tomatoes safe to eat?
Does Mold in Refrigerator Contaminate Food?Does mold in a refrigerator contaminate everything that is in it, such as bottled ketchup, jellies, mustard, etc.?
How Long Can Shrimp Be Kept Frozen?I found some forgotten shrimp in the back of the freezer that has been there a while, can I do anything with it? Would boiling it help? I really don't want to throw it out because it was expensive.
Frozen Tomatoes Have Changed Color?We have two bags of frozen tomatoes from the 2007 season that have turned quite dark in color? Would you use them? They don't have any odd smell but we are a little worried.
Rabbit Droppings Near Fruit?Is it safe to eat raspberries and strawberries when rabbit droppings are around the plants? Rabbits used my strawberry and raspberry gardens as their personal bathroom over the winter.
Link: FDA Updates on Food RecallsI was going through my email and I am subscribed to the FDA update on salmonella products, and I found a widget that keeps you updated. You can put in on the computer, and put it in favorites and then go to it.
Are Tomato Products Safe From Salmonella?The US is having salmonella issues with tomatoes. My question is: If these tomatoes were used in processed foods like tomato paste or spaghetti sauce will the salmonella still live in the paste or sauce?
How Long Will Pumpkin Puree Last In Fridge?How long will pumpkin puree last in the fridge?
How Long Do Hard Boiled Eggs Last?How long do hard-boiled eggs last when they're refrigerated in their shells? Thanks.
Be Sure To Check Canned Goods Before UsingYesterday I cleaned out the pantry and found myself looking at a can lid that appeared different. Not dirty, not rusted, just a little odd. I pushed my finger on the top of the lid and it made a pop down and up - and directly into the trash it went.
Cheap vs. Expensive Silicone Scrapers?I have a number of silicone scrapers that I use in my kitchen. Some were expensive to buy, others I purchased at a dollar store. The cheaper ones tend to "sweat". It is an oily type liquid. The expensive ones do not do this. Does anyone know what that "sweat" is? Are they safe to use?
Moldy Fudge?Why is my fudge moldy after one month?
Expired Bottled Water?Is it okay to drink bottled water that is out of date?
Storing Cooked Turkey?Storing Cooked Turkey. How long will cooked turkey last in fridge?
Are Raw Egg Whites Safe?Are Raw Egg Whites Safe? What are your thoughts out there about the safety--threat of salmonella, etc.--using raw egg whites in a recipe?
Stainless Steel Pan?My Stainless Steel Fry Pan was heated without anything in it and the metal is scorched. It doesn't seem to affect cooking, but is it still safe to use?
Dangers From Using Teflon Pans?Is anyone worried about using teflon pans? I heard or read something about danger using these pans.
Add Prunes to Ground Beef to Fight E-ColiThis is a thrifty tip because it saves on medication or doctor visit(s) if you are sick. The tip is to puree prunes with just enough water to make a thick paste. Mix 1 tablespoon of this paste to each pound of hamburger.
Metal Scratches - Milkshakes?I have a question. I work at A&W restaurant. Something took my attention. When we are making milk shakes, we first put ice cream in a cup and we put one metal thing on top of the cup in order for the ice cream not to blow over the cup while stirring. Almost half of the metal thing is in the cup and when we are stirring it, the blender touches the metal and scratches it (the metal thing can be seen scratched) Is this an insidious health hazard or is this not detrimental? Thank you very much.
Shelf Life Thawed Fake Crab?So I'd put some crab out to make crab salad or something. In the next couple days I had to rearrange the fridge and freezer. I had couple other packages in freezer now I don't know which ones are which.
Out of Date Ezy Sauce?Would an unopened 2016 bottle of ezy sauce be ok to use?
Vacuum Sealed Dried Food Safety?I am vacuum sealingdried foods, ie. beans, sugar, dried soup, dried milk, etc. and storing them in my pantry. We close the house down in Canada for the winter and my dried foods undergo a freezing and thawing process before we return back in early spring. I need to know if this dried food that is vacuum sealed is safe to consume after repeated thaws.
How Can You Know If a Raw Egg Is Safe to Use?How do you know when an egg is still fresh to use?
Shelf Life of Imitation Crab Meat?I had imitation crab meat a few hours ago and noticed that the package said to use by September 1 and today is September 4. I'm worried that I can get sick. It was closed and in the fridge.
Shelf Life of Fruit Cups?Can you eat fruit cups past best by date?
