Dry Food Storage Guidelines

Temperature

• State and federal food storage guidelines recommend that consumers store dry food at temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Since temperatures increase at elevated levels, do not store dry food less than 2 feet from the ceiling.
  
  

Physical Environment

• Good lighting enables you to read labels and expiration dates clearly. Store items on shelves in a room with good ventilation and minimal moisture. Regularly check for pest infestations.
  
  

Packaging

• Dry food that is not commercially packaged and sealed requires storage in airtight bins or containers. Prepackaged items require inspection for holes or tears in wrappers and coverings.
  
  

Instructions & Expiration Dates

• Segregate products with instructions that require refrigeration after opening. Expiration and "best before" dates require regular review, and items with passed expiration dates require disposal. Those with "best before" dates may still be safe for consumption; however, their quality may be compromised.