Food Preparation and Storage Guide

Guidelines for Vacuum Packaging Food

Vacuum packaging is not a substitute for canning nor can it reverse deteriorating quality; it can only slow down changes in quality. It is impossible to predict how long

aspecific food will have top-quality flavour, appearance and texture, because it depends on the age and condition of the food on the day it was vacuum packaged. Foods that are extremely fresh will last longer than foods that are already deteriorating.

Vacuum packaging extends the life of foods by removing nearly all the air in a sealed container, thereby reducing oxidation which affects nutritional value, flavour and overall quality. However, most foods contain enough water to support micro-organisms which can grow with or without air. While micro- organisms are present everywhere, only certain ones cause problems, and only under certain conditions:

•Mould: Easy to identify because of its characteristic fuzz. Moulds are virtually eliminated by vacuum packaging because they cannot grow in a low oxygen environment.

•Yeast: Results in fermentation, which can frequently be identified by smell or taste. Yeast requires water, sugar and a moderate temperature to grow, and can grow with or without air. Refrigeration slows the growth of yeast, and freezing stops it completely.

•Bacteria: Frequently results in discoloration, soft or slimy texture, and/or an unpleasant odor. 'Clostridium botulinum' (the organism that causes Botulism) can grow without air under the right conditions, cannot be detected by smell or taste, and although extremely rare, can be very dangerous.

The combination of vacuum packaging and freezing will extend food freshness and reduce the growth of bacteria in perishable foods.

Maintaining low temperatures is a critical factor in preserving foods safely. Growth of micro-organisms is significantly reduced at temperatures of 4°C or below. Freezing at -17°C does not kill micro-organisms, but it stops them from growing. For long term storage, always freeze “perishable” foods that have been vacuum packaged.

Thawing and Heating Vacuum Packaged Foods

Always thaw foods in either the Refrigerator or microwave – do not leave “perishable” foods at room temperature to thaw.

To microwave in a FoodSaver® Bag, cut a corner of the bag and place on a microwave- safe dish. You can always reheat foods in FoodSaver® Bags by placing them in water at a low simmer below 75°C.

NOTE: Vacuum packaging is NOT a substitute for refrigeration or freezing. Any “perishable” foods that require refrigeration prior to vacuum packaging still must be refrigerated or frozen after vacuum packaging.