Food Safety and Preservation

The Oregon State Extension Service also offers a Master Food Preserver Hotline from July 15th through October 15th, Monday-Friday, 9 AM-4 PM. Call 1-800-354-7319 to answer your questions.

The methods for preserving foods have changed greatly over the years as more equipment, technology, and scientific research have become available. As a result, it is possible to make home preserved products safer and of higher quality.

If you preserve foods at home it is strongly encouraged that you follow these new methods and procedures. Old canning techniques from your grandmother may not be safe. The OSU Extension service as part of the USDA will always have accurate and current information available for you. The OSU family and Community Development site has the proper preservation methods for many different foods. The OSU Extension Publication Web site and our office also has food preservation materials. The National Center for Home Food Preservation and contains research-based recommendations for most methods of home food preservation. Cornell University also has several food preservation fact sheets.

Safety

Nobody wants to get sick from eating improperly prepared food. The following sites have information on how to prevent food borne illness.

Fight Bac! Four Simple Steps to Food Safety - USDA web page on fighting bacteria.

It's safe to bite when the temperature is right - Thermy™ is the messenger of a national consumer education campaign encouraging thermometer use by the by the Food Safety and Inspection service (FSIS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

USDA for kids - This is the USDA's site for kids. It has fun food and safety facts for both kids and adults.

FoodSafety.gov - This site contains the most current food safety information.

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