The FoodKeeper can help consumers use foodwhile at peak quality and reduce waste. The storage times listedare intended as useful guidelines and are not hard-and-fast rules.Some foods may deteriorate more quickly while others may lastlonger than the times suggested. The times will vary depending onthe growing conditions, harvesting techniques, manufacturingprocesses, transportation and distribution conditions, nature ofthe food, and storage temperatures. Remember to buy foods inreasonable quantities and rotate the products in your pantry,refrigerator, and freezer.

Every year, billions of pounds of good food go to waste in theU.S. because consumers are not sure of its quality or safety. Foodwaste from households represents about 44% of all food wastegenerated in the U.S. By reducing food waste through buyingappropriate quantities, storing foods properly, cooking what isneeded and composting, consumers can save money and reduce theamount of food going to landfills.