Keeping Real Meat Safe at Home

One of the simplest ways to protect the quality of the meat you bring home is to keep it cold — and keep it that way.

When your order arrives from Glengarry Traditions, the meat, vegetables and fruit arrive frozen and should be placed in your freezer when at all possible.

Bacteria grow quickly when food sits in what’s called the temperature danger zone: between 4°C and 60°C (40°F to 140°F). That’s why it’s so important to keep cold food cold and hot food hot.

Set your refrigerator at 4°C (40°F) or lower and your freezer at –18°C (0°F) or lower. I recommend buying a simple thermometer for both. It’s an inexpensive way to know, at a glance, that everything is working the way it should.

Raw meat, poultry, fish, and seafood should go into the fridge or freezer as soon as possible — ideally within two hours of bringing them home. Keep them separate from other foods. Store them in sealed containers or bags so juices can’t drip onto anything else. The safest spot is the bottom shelf of the fridge, or on a tray with a raised edge.

Deli meats belong in the refrigerator too. Once opened, try to use them within two to three days (four days at the most).

Washed and cut fruit, along with sliced vegetables, should also stay in the fridge — just keep them well away from raw meat, poultry, fish, and seafood.

Plan to cook raw meat, poultry, fish, or seafood within two to three days of buying it. If you won’t be using it that quickly, freeze it.

Thawing the safe way

The safest place to thaw food is in the refrigerator. You can also thaw it in cold water or in the microwave — never on the counter at room temperature.

If you thaw something in the microwave, cook it right away. And don’t refreeze food that has already been thawed.

Whenever you’re handling raw meat during thawing, wash your hands well and clean and sanitize the sink, utensils, surfaces, and dishes you’ve used.

These habits are simple, but they make a real difference. Good meat deserves good care — from our plant to your fridge, and from your fridge to the table.