Storage and preparation

Storing and preparing dairy products

Dairy products are predominantly fresh foods, so they require care in storage and preparation.

As with most foods, this is important to make sure they are safe to eat and to minimise waste.

Some food needs to be kept in the fridge to stop bacteria from growing on them, such as foods with a "use-by" date, cooked foods and ready-to-eat foods such as desserts.

It is also very important to prepare food safely to help harmful bacteria from spreading and growing. Your hands can easily spread bacteria around the kitchen and onto food. This is why it is important to always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water at each of these times:

• before starting to prepare food
• after touching raw meat
• after touching the bin
• after touching pets

Also, please remember to dry your hands thoroughly because, if they are wet, they will spread bacteria more easily.

For more detailed information on the preparation, cooking and storing of food, please visit the Food Standards Agency website