Prep Like a Pro: Unlocking Meal Prep Safety Tips

With classes, work, and everything in between, sometimes eating is the last thing on your mind. If applicable, meal prepping can be a helpful strategy for students trying to stay on track with their meals, making sure they get proper nutrition even when busy. While convenience is appealing, there’s an important aspect we often overlook: food safety. 

Meal prepping starts with good intentions, but poor handling can quickly cause issues and health concerns. The extra steps you take to manage your food properly will reduce stress and help you succeed during a busy week. As you prepare your meals for the week or the next few days, keep these tips in mind.

Cool It Before You Store It…In The Right Time Frame

Everyone has heard the notion of letting your recent dish cool off before storing it in the refrigerator. However, many studies have shown that that’s not always the case. The Washington State Health Department debunked this fact, stating that hot food can be placed in the refrigerator, with stipulations. 

Large quantities of food should be divided into smaller portions before storage. When preparing a large batch, dividing it into portions is safer. Yet, if you tend to leave food out to cool, it should remain at room temperature for no more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth. 

Know How Long Your Food Lasts

The infamous leftover debate usually only comes around during the holiday season, but leftovers accumulate year-round. Meal prepping is essential for creating leftovers to be prepared and heated later, so it is crucial to understand how long you should keep them. The food item determines how long the meal can be stored; nonetheless, a good rule of thumb is that most meal-prepped foods will remain safe to eat for 3 to 5 days when properly stored in the refrigerator at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember, when meal prepping, ensure you prepare enough for your desired portion size. 

Patience Is Virtue, Reheat Thoroughly

When hungry, we sometimes heat food just enough to be warm enough to eat. However, heating your meal prep all the way through reduces the risk of bacterial growth and foodborne illness. To ensure your food is cooked all the way through, the internal temperature needs to reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, and most high-power microwaves can achieve this in 1 to 2 minutes.