How to Date Food in the Fridge

Labeling the food in your fridge with dates helps prevent food spoilage and waste. Knowing when your food is safe to eat helps protect you from the dangers of mold and food-borne illnesses. Label your food with the date you opened it (or, for leftovers, the date you cooked it), and keep a food safety chart handy so you know how long different foods can be stored.

Things You'll Need

• Masking tape
• Permanent marker
• Printer and paper
• Magnet
• Refrigerator thermometer

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Instructions

• 1

  Print out a food safety chart and use a magnet to attach it to your refrigerator. This will allow you to easily check the safe storage times for food in the refrigerator and freezer.

• 2

  Use a refrigerator thermometer to test the temperature inside your refrigerator. The temperature should always be below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius) to prevent bacterial growth. The time you spend labeling food with dates will be rendered moot if your refrigerator is kept at an unsafe temperature.

• 3

  Label food with the date you opened it or put it in the fridge. Use a permanent marker and masking tape. For disposable plastic containers or zip-top bags, write directly on the container with permanent marker.

• 4

  Practice "First In, First Out." Move older food to the front of the fridge so you remember to eat it before it spoils.