{"id":9113,"date":"2011-05-19T09:52:53","date_gmt":"2011-05-19T13:52:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/?page_id=9113"},"modified":"2024-05-23T14:57:04","modified_gmt":"2024-05-23T18:57:04","slug":"4302e","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/4302e\/","title":{"rendered":"Bulletin #4302, Food Safety for Food-Pantry Donations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Food for ME: Citizen Action for Community Food Recovery<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" class=\"alignright wp-image-21444 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2019\/06\/MHH-distribution-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Maine Harvest for Hunger volunteers distribute fresh produce to hungry Mainers\" style=\"width: 370px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2019\/06\/MHH-distribution-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2019\/06\/MHH-distribution-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2019\/06\/MHH-distribution-105x70.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2019\/06\/MHH-distribution-317x211.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2019\/06\/MHH-distribution-423x281.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2019\/06\/MHH-distribution-634x422.jpg 634w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2019\/06\/MHH-distribution-846x563.jpg 846w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2019\/06\/MHH-distribution-951x632.jpg 951w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/52\/2019\/06\/MHH-distribution.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Originally prepared by Nellie Hedstrom, Extension nutrition specialist, University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Revised and updated by Kate Yerxa, Extension educator, University of Maine Cooperative Extension.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For information about UMaine Extension programs and resources, visit <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/\">extension.umaine.edu<\/a>.<br>Find more of our publications and books at <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/\">extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Donating, recovering, and gleaning foods that would otherwise go to waste helps feed hungry Mainers. When recovering food, consider both safety and quality. Beware of the signs that food may be unsafe to eat. Use the following checklist to decide whether foods are unsafe to give to food pantries, cupboards, and shelters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Foods Stored at Room Temperature<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">These signs may indicate that food is UNSAFE:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cans<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Too crushed to stack on shelves or open with a manual can opener<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Crushed immediately under the end (double) seam<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Moderate\/severe dents where the side and end (double) seams meet<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rust pits severe enough to make a hole in the can<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Swollen or bulging ends<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Holes, fractures, or punctures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Evidence of leakage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Signs of spoilage (spurting, unusual odor or appearance) when opened<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Baby food or infant formula past the expiration date<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Missing label<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Glass Jars<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Home-canned instead of commercially canned<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Raised, crooked, or loosened lid<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Damaged tamper-resistant seal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cracks or chips<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Signs of spoilage (discolored food; cloudy liquid)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dirt under the rim<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Baby food past the expiration date<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cardboard Boxes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Torn or missing inner packaging in cartons that are slit or opened<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Evidence of insects<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Baby food past the expiration date<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plastic Containers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Damaged tamper-resistant seals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Signs of spoilage (mold, off odor)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Baby food or infant formula past the expiration date<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Foods Stored in Refrigerator or Freezer<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">These signs may indicate that food is UNSAFE:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Refrigerator Foods<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lukewarm food (above the maximum safe refrigerator temperature of 40\u00b0F)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Signs of spoilage (unusual odor or appearance, mold)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unsuitable containers and\/or covers that allow food to be contaminated<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Uncertain handling history<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Freezer Foods<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Evidence of thawing (ice on the food or leaking)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unsuitable packaging that allows food to be contaminated<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000\"><strong>When in doubt, throw it out! Don\u2019t rely solely on look or smell. Foods that cause food poisoning may look fine and smell okay. Never taste suspicious foods!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How you can help recover food<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To get involved in community food recovery, use the ideas in the <em>Food for ME<\/em> fact sheets, call the National Hunger Hotline at 800.453.2648 (800.GLEAN.IT) or 866.348.6479 (866.3.HUNGRY), or visit <a href=\"http:\/\/www.whyhunger.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">WhyHunger<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Food Recovery Resources<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/feedingamerica.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Feeding America<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fns.usda.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.whyhunger.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">WhyHunger<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Reproduced and adapted with permission from the \u201cDonated Food Checklist,\u201d <\/em>Food Safety References,<em> Indiana\u2019s Food for the Hungry (West Lafayette, IN: Purdue University). http:\/\/www.cfs.purdue.edu\/safefood\/foodsafety\/donatedchecklist.html<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt\"><em>Information in this publication is provided purely for educational purposes. No responsibility is assumed for any problems associated with the use of products or services mentioned. No endorsement of products or companies is intended, nor is criticism of unnamed products or companies implied.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00a9 1998, 2011<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Call 800.287.0274 (in Maine), or 207.581.3188, for information on publications and program offerings from University of Maine Cooperative Extension, or visit <a href=\"http:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\">extension.umaine.edu<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.maine.edu\/title-ix\/\">www.maine.edu\/title-ix\/<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Food for ME: Citizen Action for Community Food Recovery Originally prepared by Nellie Hedstrom, Extension nutrition specialist, University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Revised and updated by Kate Yerxa, Extension educator, University of Maine Cooperative Extension. For information about UMaine Extension programs and resources, visit extension.umaine.edu.Find more of our publications and books at extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/. Donating, recovering, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":414,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-9113","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Bulletin #4302, Food Safety for Food-Pantry Donations - Cooperative Extension Publications - University of Maine Cooperative Extension<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Donating, recovering, and gleaning foods that would otherwise go to waste helps feed hungry Mainers. 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