How to store holiday menu envelopes to avoid risks and prevent spoilage

PalmThe General Directorate of Public Health, through the Food Safety and Nutrition service of the Balearic Islands, has published recommendations for properly storing holiday meal packets and ensuring food safety.

According to the Catalan Ministry of Health, cooked food should be stored in clean containers in the refrigerator if it will be eaten the next day, or in the freezer if it is expected to be consumed later. It is important not to leave it at room temperature for more than two hours. To facilitate later consumption and avoid unnecessary reheating, it is recommended to store food in small portions. Fresh products such as meat, fish, and vegetables should be kept separate and in the lower part of the refrigerator. When freezing, food should be kept at -18°C and also in small portions, with containers labeled with name, date, and quantity. Avoid overfilling the freezer; this helps ensure proper air circulation. The Food Safety Service warns that ice crystals, hardened blocks, soft spots, or broken packaging may indicate that the cold chain has been broken, which puts food safety at risk.