If the lettering is difficult to read, keep a magnifying glass handy to survey the labels, especially on new food products. If the refrigerator or freezer fails, keep the door closed and find other cold storage. Meat or poultry still containing ice crystals may be refrozen, or cook and serve the food. Keep food hot With the increased emphasis on convenience, more of our food is purchased hot then taken home and eaten. Or you may rely on food delivered by a Meals On Wheels volunteer or from a nearby restaurant.
Bacteria multiply rapidly at room temperature.
Under ideal conditions, bacteria can divide every 20 minutes. The more bacteria a food contains, the more likely it will cause foodborne illness. If food is only lukewarm, ideal conditions exist for bacteria to grow. Eating this food may cause foodborne illness. If food is delivered to you, be there to receive it.