The following table is a rundown of storage guidelines for some of the foods that are regulars on America's dinner tables. Freezer burn is a food-quality issue, not a food safety issue. It appears as grayish-brown leathery spots on frozen food. It occurs when air reaches the food's surface and dries out the product. This can happen when food is not securely wrapped in air-tight packaging. Color changes result from chemical changes in the food's pigment.

Food will stay frozen for 36-48 hours in a fully loaded freezer if you keep the door closed. A half-full freezer will generally keep food frozen for 24 hours. If it looks like the power will be out for more than 2 - 4 hours, place refrigerated foods such as milk, dairy products, meats, fish and poultry in a cooler surrounded by ice. Perishable foods should not be left at temperatures above 40 degrees F for more than two hours.

Refrigerator-freezer combinations can be used for storing frozen food if the freezer is a true freezer (will maintain 0°F or less) and not just a freezing compartment. A better quality product will be maintained at 0°F or less. If a freezing compartment is used, store food for only one to two weeks.

First, make sure it's well wrapped. Your user's guide has instructions on how to wrap foods to stay as fresh as possible in your refrigerator or your freezer. Next, make sure the crisper is tightly closed - if it isn't, that will allow moisture to escape from those foods. Finally, make sure the temperature control isn't set too cold.

Your food will keep 24 to 48 hours, provided that you open the refrigerator and freezer door as little as possible. However, once the food in your freezer has thawed you should eat it as soon as possible, and avoid refreezing it. Plug your equipment into a power bar with a surge protector, available in any good hardware store. Also, avoid plugging electronic equipment into the same circuit as powerful motor-driven appliances, such as a dishwasher, air conditioner or refrigerator.

The Henrico Extension Office has publications and information on food safety, food preservation and food buying. For more information please call the Henrico Extension Office at (804) 501-5160. You may also visit Virginia Cooperative Extension's Food Storage Guidelines For Consumers.

Food should not be out of refrigeration for more than two hours because when exposed to room temperature, harmful bacteria multiply rapidly. In hot weather (above 90?F), the time is reduced to one hour. To keep food safe, place leftover food in shallow containers and refrigerate to allow for rapid cooling. The terminology used on food packages is regulated by the government to ensure that all products claiming specific terms are consistent, truthful, and accurate.

Your refrigerator temperature should be set at between 38-40 degrees F. (Fahrenheit). If you have an older model refrigerator that temperature range may be difficult to maintain but try to keep it as close to 40 degrees as possible. This is based on food safety recommendations that place the "danger zone" for bacterial growth on foods in the range of 40 to 140 degrees F.

Yes, the freezer and refrigerator must be emptied to avoid the contents damaging the inside of your appliance.

Any of our products that are flash frozen and vacuum sealed will last up to one year in your freezer. Product that is flash frozen but not vacuum sealed (Individually Quick Frozen or IQF) will last up to five months in your freezer.

Hot foods should be refrigerated as soon as possible within two hours after cooking. Don't keep the food if it's been standing out for more than two hours. Don't taste test it, either. Even a small amount of contaminated food can cause illness. Date leftovers so they can be used within a safe time. Generally, they remain safe when properly refrigerated for three to five days. If in doubt, throw it out.

Try to leave the refrigerator or freezer doors closed during a power outage. If the doors remain closed, refrigerated food can stay cool for about six to nine hours. Frozen food can remain safe for up to 24 hours.

Delighted. We've heard some bad things about Norcold from time to time, but in our experience it has been bulletproof. We would do it again. In our case, the reality is that the staircase to the boat/bridge deck was a major selling point. We use it constantly as a convenience, and when raising or lowering the dinghy, it is an essential safety feature. Absent the stairs we'd have to leave the dink at some stage of hanging while we changed places via the pilothouse/salon route.

Most food items including fresh meats (pork, lamb, beef, and veal), deli foods, and salads can be stored for three to four days in the refrigerator and four to 12 months in the freezer. Poultry and ground meats can be stored one to two days in the refrigerator and two to three months in the freezer. The duration of storage will sometimes affect the taste of the food but not the safety.

Temperature and sanitation are the two keys to maintaining a chicken’s freshness. Most prepackaged chicken has a “use by” or “freeze by” statement. Assuming the chicken is immediately refrigerated at 39 degrees or below, it should stand up to that date. Chicken kept in the refrigerator beyond that date may become unsuitable for consumption. Remember, any chicken with an odor or sticky surface is likely beginning to spoil. If in doubt, throw it out.

a general rule and to maintain the quality, food should not be stored in a freezer for longer then 6 months (provided that your freezer is suitable for storing foods for this length of time. See star ratings above).

This will depend on the item being stored. However, a food item should last at least three weeks when stored inside a GLAD Freezer Bag.

Not at all. All of the NutriSystem foods are "packaged for portability"—a convenience that is very important when you're losing weight. While many of the NutriSystem entrees look a lot like frozen entrees, they're actually sealed through a "soft canning" process (like you would tomatoes or peaches) which locks in the nutrition and great taste. That way, you get fresh-tasting foods that don't require refrigeration, and are ready to go whenever and wherever you are.