Food Safety

Mother and son at a farmers' market.

Food Safety When Buying Directly from Farmers

— By Chesley Ferris, Dietetic Intern, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Did you know that Maine has around 115 summer farmers’ markets and 30 to 35 winter farmers’ markets? One of my favorite things about living in Maine is visiting our farmers’ markets. I love connecting with local farmers and finding unique fruits and vegetables. […]

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Close up of mixed frozen peas, corn, and carrots.

Keep it Safe: Cooking and Handling Frozen Vegetables

— By Chesley Ferris, MPH, Dietetic Intern, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Buying frozen vegetables saves time and money. Frozen vegetables also stay fresh longer, helping to reduce food waste. However, did you know that not all frozen vegetables are safe to eat straight from the freezer? In fact, most frozen vegetables need to be […]

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Vegetables in crates at a farmers' market.

Storing and Washing Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

— By Kate Yerxa, MS, RD, Extension Professor, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Whether you grow your own fruits and vegetables or buy them at a local farm or grocery store, you don’t want your money to go to waste because they are stored improperly and rot (decompose) quickly. Understanding how to store and wash […]

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Ham on a cutting board.

Ham: Carving Up the Food Safety Facts

— By Kathy Savoie, Extension Educator, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Once upon a time, I found myself at the Kentucky State Fair in the Hall of Hams. Yes indeed, a whole hall dedicated to showcasing hams that had been entered for judging. It was a jaw dropping experience. I was certainly in awe over […]

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A man cleaning a microwave.

Kitchen Cleaning Made Easy: Tips for a Healthier Home

— By Alex Bosse, Nutrition Education Professional for UMaine Cooperative Extension EFNEP (Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program). A clean kitchen isn’t just nice to look at, it helps keep you and your family safe from foodborne illness. Germs can live on countertops, cutting boards, utensils, handles, sponges, appliances, and other food contact surfaces. Regularly […]

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A kitchen with an open pantry door.

Spring Kitchen Clean Out

— By Kathy Savoie, Extension Educator, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Spring is here at last! It’s great to open the windows and let in the warm, fresh air of a new season. Sometimes the change in seasons even makes us want to clean out the house! Pantry Clean-Out Tips When you spring clean, check […]

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A man looking at a product.

Don’t Toss That Food Yet! Understanding Food Product Dating Labels

— By Alex Bosse, Nutrition Education Professional for UMaine Cooperative Extension EFNEP (Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program) With the new year underway and spring just around the corner, you might be tidying up your kitchen and coming across boxes and cans of food past – what you assume are – their expiration dates. What […]

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Lunch container with tomatoes and sandwich wraps.

The Ultimate Guide to Lunch Box Food Safety

— By Kayla Parsons, Doctoral Candidate, Registered Dietitian, University of Maine Cooperative Extension If you’re a student, teacher or taking care of a little learner, you’re about to transition back into full time school mode. This often comes with the responsibility of deciding what to pack for lunch. Almost as important as what’s being packed […]

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Sprouts in a person's hands.

Sprout Safety

— By Caitlyn Winn, Dietetic Intern University of Maine Cooperative Extension While small in size, sprouts pack a nutritional punch! Sprouts contain many beneficial vitamins and minerals which support our overall health and well-being. Unfortunately, sprouts are considered a high-risk food when it comes to food borne illness. This is because sprouts are grown in […]

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A person reaching for a blue cooler.

Tips for Cooler Food Safety

— By Alex Bosse, Nutrition Education Professional for UMaine Cooperative Extension EFNEP (Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program). Summer is here and cookout, barbecue, and tailgating season is in full swing. Chances are that you, friends, or family will be using a cooler for your outdoor summer adventures. To avoid getting sick from food-borne illness, […]

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