
Food Safety Basics

Food Safety: Severe Storms and Hurricanes
A flood, fire, national disaster, or the loss of power from high winds, snow, or ice could jeopardize the safety of your food. Knowing how to determine if food is safe and how to keep food safe will help minimize the loss of food and reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
Safe steps in food handling, cooking, and storage are essential in preventing foodborne illness. Whether shopping for food or preparing foods for your family, the following guidelines can guide you in keeping food safe.
General
- Steps to Keep Food Safe
- Cleanliness Helps Prevent Foodborne Illness
- Washing Food: Does it Promote Food Safety?
- Food Safety While Hiking, Camping & Boating (English and Spanish)
- The Color of Meat and Poultry
- Molds on Food: Are They Dangerous?
Temperatures & Food
Cooking
- Cooking with Microwave Ovens
- Deep Fat Frying
- Grilling and Food Safety (English and Spanish)
- Doneness Versus Safety
- High Altitude Cooking
- Slow Cookers and Food Safety
- Smoking Meat and Poultry
- Cooking for Groups
Refrigeration & Storage
- Refrigeration and Food Safety
- Freezing and Food Safety
- Leftovers and Food Safety
- Keeping "Bag" Lunches Safe
- Safe Handling of Take-Out Foods
- Kitchen Thermometers
- Mail Order Food Safety
- The Big Thaw — Safe Defrosting Methods
- Shelf-Stable Food
Grocery & Packaging
- Food Product Dating
- Additives in Meat and Poultry Products
- Food Allergies
- Glossary of Packaging Terms
- Irradiation and Food Safety FAQ
- Meat and Poultry Labeling Terms
- Meat and Poultry Packaging Materials
- Natural Flavors on Meat and Poultry Labels
- Water in Meat & Poultry
Kitchen Utensils & Appliances
Food Safety Inspection & Recalls
- Inspection for Food Safety: The Basics
- Understanding FSIS Food Recalls
- How to Find the USDA Establishment Number
- Slaughter Inspection 101
- Importing Meat, Poultry & Egg Products US
Emergencies
- Keep Your Food Safe During Emergencies
- A Consumer's Guide to Food Safety: Severe Storms and Hurricanes
- Fires and Food Safety
- Removing Odors from Refrigerators and Freezers
Featured Factsheets & Resources
Last Updated: Sep 15, 2022