Keeping Mold Away From Food

2/5/2018 (Permalink)

We have all experienced food going bad at some point and mold growing on foods that we have not touched in a long time. However, how can we prevent food from going moldy?

Buying small amounts and using food quickly is probably the best way to prevent mold growth in food. However, there are other practices that you can implement to prevent mold growth in food.

• Examine food well before you buy it. Check food in glass jars, look at the stem areas on fresh produce, and avoid bruised produce.
• Fresh meat and poultry are usually mold free, but cured and cooked eats might not be. Examine them carefully.
• When serving food, keep it covered to prevent exposure. Use plastic wrap to cover foods you want to stay moist.
• Empty opened cans of perishable foods into clean storage containers and refrigerate them.

Cleanliness is the key to controlling mold. Mold spores from contaminated food can build up in your refrigerator, dishcloths, and other cleaning utensils.

• Clean the inside of the refrigerator every few months with one tablespoon of baking soda dissolved in a quart of water. Rinse with clear water and dry. If you do run into mold, scrub the visible mold (usually black) on rubber casings using three teaspoons of bleach in a quart of water.
• Keep towels, sponges, and mops clean and fresh. A musty smell means they are spreading mold around. Discard them if you cannot use them.