This is the season that many organizations choose to gather food and donate it to a food pantry. This is a great idea. Many are in need of food.
The concern is to avoid illness. It could be a step forward and two back. Unsafe food for people in need could cause numerous problems such as sickness and medical bills.
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.
Foods Stored at Room Temperature
These signs may indicate that food is UNSAFE:
Cans
· Too crushed to stack on shelves or open with a manual can opener
· Crushed immediately under the end (double) seam
· Moderate/severe dents where the side and end (double) seams meet
· Rust pits severe enough to make a hole in the can
· Swollen or bulging ends
· Holes, fractures, or punctures
· Evidence of leakage
· Signs of spoilage (spurting, unusual odor or appearance) when opened
· Baby food or infant formula past the expiration date
· Missing label
Glass Jars
· Home-canned instead of commercially canned
· Raised, crooked, or loosened lid
· Damaged tamper-resistant seal
· Cracks or chips
· Signs of spoilage (discolored food; cloudy liquid)
· Dirt under the rim
· Baby food past the expiration date
Cardboard Boxes
· Torn or missing inner packaging in cartons that are slit or opened
· Evidence of insects
· Baby food past the expiration date
Plastic Containers
· Damaged tamper-resistant seals
· Signs of spoilage (mold, off odor)
· Baby food or infant formula past the expiration date
