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Should we eat expired tofu?

Q: My daughter has recently decided not to eat meat. I have started purchasing tofu -- but don't always use it by the expiration date on the package. Tofu is sealed in liquid. Is it safe for a little while after the date stamped on the package?

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Are Rhubarb Leaves Toxic?

Q: I had always been told that rhubarb leaves are extremely toxic, but my research has confused that notion! Some sources say that it is hardly toxic, while others say it is lethal. Do you know how toxic rhubarb leaves actually are?

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Food Storage for Emergencies (SP 50-833)

Information on things to consider when preparing and storing food for emergencies.

Jun 2018 | Article

Latest Resources

OSU study finds that using cold water to make 'sprouted' foods lowers the risk of salmonella growth

An Oregon State University study published in 2021 found that soaking raw ingredients – usually grains, nuts or seeds – to make "sprouted" foods lowers the risk of salmonella growth on these increasingly popular healthy snack foods.

Nov 2021 | Impact story

Do I need to rinse my triple washed vegetables?

Q: Should one rinse bought spinach and lettuce that is labeled triple washed?

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Is newspaper ink toxic?

Q: Can green tomatoes still be wrapped in newspaper to help ripen. I understand that the ink for printing has changed and that newspapers were no longer good for wiping windows because of that change from a Petroleum to a soy base. Wonder if same held true for tomatoes?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

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Jacqui Richardson, an OSU Master Food Preserver, answers a question on the Oregon statewide hotline from July to October each year.

Photo by Barbara Anderson. (Cropped from original)

USDA and FDA Food Safety Hotlines

For answers to your food safety questions year round

USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-674-6854

7:00 am – 1:00 pm PST, Monday through Friday

FDA Food Safety Hotline at 1-888-723-3366

7:00 am – 1:00 pm PST, Monday, Wednesday and Friday

Learn more

Latest News

OSU Extension food safety and preservation hotline opens for the season

The toll-free hotline, 800-354-7319, runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, until Oct. 8.

Chris Branam | Jul 8, 2021 | News story

Gather nuts frequently as they fall from the tree

Harvesting, drying and storing nuts correctly will give you months of enjoyment.

Kym Pokorny | Oct 11, 2019 | News story

Tips on keeping harvested potatoes fresh

Keep harvested potatoes fresh

Aug 13, 2010 | News story

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Meet Our Experts

Cindy Brown

4-H Youth Development

Contact me for questions on 4-H youth development programming in Sherman County as well as healthy living topics such as MyPlate, gardening, food preservation and food storage!

Glenda Hyde

Associate Professor of Practice, Family and Community Health; OSU Extension Service Extension Disaster Education Network Delegate

Contact me with questions about food safety and preservation, managing stress and emergency/disaster preparedness

Jenny Rudolph

Family & Community Health

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