USDA FoodKeeper 9.0.0

The FoodKeeper is a valuable tool for consumers seeking to maximize the quality of their food while minimizing waste. It provides helpful guidelines for storage times, recognizing that these times are meant to be useful suggestions rather than strict rules. It is important to note that individual food items may deteriorate at different rates, highlighting the importance of considering factors such as growing conditions, harvesting techniques, manufacturing processes, transportation and distribution conditions, nature of the food itself, and storage temperatures.

To further enhance efficiency, it is advisable to purchase foods in reasonable quantities and regularly rotate products in your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer. By doing so, consumers can not only save money but also contribute to the reduction of food waste. It is worth noting that households alone are responsible for approximately 44% of all food waste in the U.S., emphasizing the significance of taking proactive steps to address this issue. Through responsible purchasing habits, proper storage practices, mindful cooking, and composting when possible, consumers can make a positive impact by minimizing the amount of food that ends up in landfills.