Is This Food Safe to Eat?

Safer

Less safe

• Stored while still hot.

• Left at room temperature for any length of time.

• Stored in back of refrigerator.

• Stored in door of refrigerator.

• Cool kitchen/climate.

• Hot kitchen/climate.

• Cool refrigerator, opened infrequently.

• Refrigerator set too warm or opened frequently.

• When served a second time food was reheated or boiled, then stored in a clean container.

• Food has never been reheated.

• Dry foods.

• Moist foods, especially liquids.

• Vegetables and grain products.

• Foods containing animal products like fish, meat or dairy.

• Contains acid like vinegar or lemon/orange juice.

• No acidic content.

• Highly salted.

• Little or no salt.

• Contains artificial preservatives.

• No artificial preservatives.

• Larger amount.

• Smaller amount.

• Untouched by human hands.

• Touched by fingers or saliva.

• Uncontaminated by other foods.

• Contaminated by utensil with traces of bread, meat, or other foods.

• Stored in clean plastic, glass, ceramic or metal container.

• Stored in original aluminum can.

• Less air in container (filled to top).

• More air in container.

• Tightly sealed.

• Uncovered.

• Container stayed closed.

• Container has been opened and reclosed.