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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?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

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?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

Food Storage for Emergencies (SP 50-833)

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

Jun 2018 | Article

Latest Resources

Extension taps Hibbard-Swanson for new food safety and security position

Jared Hibbard-Swanson is OSUExtension's inaugural program manager for food security and safety.

Chris Branam | Apr 4, 2022 | News story

There are Dangers Lurking in Your Flour

Many don’t realize that raw flour can transmit foodborne illnesses. This publication outlines the risks of flour-based crafts and steps you can take to keep people safe.

Jan 2022 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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

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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.

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

Extension taps Hibbard-Swanson for new food safety and security position

Jared Hibbard-Swanson is OSUExtension's inaugural program manager for food security and safety.

Chris Branam | Apr 4, 2022 | News story

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

All News

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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

Have a question? Ask an Expert!

Ask an Expert is a way for you to get answers from the Oregon State University Extension Service. We have experts in family and health, community development, food and agriculture, coastal issues, forestry, programs for young people, and gardening.