PERISHABLE FOODS: WHAT ARE THEY AND HOW TO STORE THEM?


Perishable foods are those that, due to their characteristics and physical composition, are likely to expire or deteriorate quickly and lose their original properties due to external factors such as humidity, temperature, or atmospheric pressure.

PERISHABLE FOODS


Everyone must know this information to avoid diseases caused by poor handling, cross-contamination or poor food storage. Therefore, we invite you to continue reading our article to learn more about correctly preserving perishable products.

WHAT ARE PERISHABLE FOODS?

Food is composed of different proportions of water, protein, fat and carbohydrates. When food is in contact with the atmosphere, chemical-based problems may appear, such as oxidation reactions and enzymatic reactions, which can cause a degradation of the physical and commercial properties of the food until its total deterioration.

Perishable foods play a determining role in bacteria and fungi, the microorganisms capable of destroying these foods. In addition, fresh foods contain enzymes that promote degradation and alter their texture and flavor.

What are perishable foods?

Food derived from animals, such as meat or dairy, are some of the main perishable products. Next, we will see each of them:

  • fresh meats
  • dairy
  • Eggs
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Food that has been cooked
  • fish and shellfish
  • Perishable foods that have already been uncovered or removed from their original packaging
  • Desserts and pastries
  • sausages
  • butter

Differences with non-perishable food

The main difference between perishable and non-perishable foods is that the latter are kept much longer than the former. That is, they have a much faster decomposition. 

These products and foods are characterized by their freshness but tend to deteriorate a little before their time due to temperature, humidity and pressure conditions.

How to properly store perishable products?

There are different ways to prevent food from spoiling. However, preserving them could be a challenge if they are not handled and stored properly in the best, safe and hygienic conditions:

  • Refrigeration or Freezing: Perishable foods need to be refrigerated at 5ºC or below or frozen at -18ºC or below to slow or stop the growth of bacteria, which occurs rapidly in foods such as meat, poultry, seafood, and dairy products when not in use. are stored properly.

Canned or vacuum-sealed goods that include meat or dairy products once opened, should be considered perishable and stored in the refrigerator or freezer.

  • Proper packaging: Correct chilled packaging helps reduce these problems but cannot completely prevent them. This makes it necessary to set an expiration date for each product depending on its nature and the packaging and storage conditions.

Proper storage is essential to reduce the chances of contamination and growth of microorganisms that can alter the product and, therefore, your safety and that of your family.

TIP: If you want to buy any kind of protective packaging then we will recommend you to get in touch in Britwrap, as it is the best packaging company all over the UK.

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