Can you drink milk a week after the sell-by date? What’s the germiest item in your kitchen and how do you clean it? Test your food safety knowledge with our Everwell Challenge.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
1. True of False? It’s safe to use milk up to one week after the sell by date.
2. How long do refrigerated eggs stay fresh after you buy them?
3. To what temperature should poultry be cooked in order to destroy harmful bacteria?
A. 145 degrees F
B. 155 degrees F
C. 165 degrees F
D. 175 degrees F
4) Which is an effective way to clean sponges?
A. Soaking in bleach and water solution
B. Putting in dishwasher
C. Zapping in microwave oven
5) How long can perishable foods like potato salad sit out safely?
6) We’ve all heard of the 5 second rule- If you drop food on the ground and
pick it up within 5 seconds, itÕs safe to eat. Well, is it true?
Answers:
1. True. The sell-by date is for retailers, a notification of when to pull the product from the shelves. Consumers should feel free to use the product up to 7 days after the sell by date.
2. You can keeps eggs in your fridge for about 3 to 5 weeks. And always keep your fridge between 32 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit to keep all foods from spoiling and prevent the growth of dangerous bacteria like salmonella.
3. Answer: C, 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Always make sure you use a meat thermometer, don’t just go by the color. Pink might be OK to eat.
4. All of the above. Studies show kitchen sponges are one of the germiest items in any home. Most people don’t actually clean their sponges and once germs get on there, they thrive in moisture. [Note we’ll need to demonstrate/explain how to do each one of the three options above.]
5. Answer: Two hours is what’s recommended by the USDA as the maximum amount of time food can sit out and still be safely eaten. One side note, people often joke about spoiled potato salad but did you know it’s not usually the that goes bad? Commercially purchased mayonnaise is pasteurized and has a high acid content that actually slows bacteria growth. The potatoes and eggs in potato salad, however, can cause food-borne illness if they’re left out beyond the two-hour rule.
6. Unfortunately, no. And surprisingly, the theory’s actually been put to the test! Researchers at the University of Illinois did an experiment where they dropped candy and cookies on ceramic tiles infected with E.coli. As expected, after sitting on the contaminated surface for 5 seconds it too became contaminated with the bacteria.