Hygiene and safety are two essential aspects when it comes to ensuring the freshness of food or meal. Proper food storage and packaging are crucial aspects whether you’re a restaurant owner, home chef, or a culinary enthusiast. With increasing emphasis on minimizing food waste and increasing shelf-life, choosing the right food bag can make a significant difference. Also, it is necessary for businesses to meet FDA regulations and other required industry standards for plastic packaging for food. Properly sealed food storage bags can retain food taste and texture, and reduce the risk of foodborne infections by enhancing the shelf life. Considering the immense significance of food storage bags, this post offers information on storage bags in use today and the guidelines for proper food storage. This post also highlights different types of storage bags, including plastic meat bags, plastic produce bags, and slide seal bags to help you make informed choices.Types of Food Storage BagsHere are some common food storage bags essential for effective food preservation.Vacuum-sealed Bags: These bags are airtight, preventing freezer burn and extending the shelf life of food. These bags are commonly used for long-term storage and meal prepping. Therefore, vacuum-sealed bags are ideal for storing raw meat and poultry, vegetables, soups, sauces, and stews.Zipper-lock Bags: These bags are not completely airtight. Hence, they are ideal for items that don’t require storage for extended periods. They are resealable, which makes them easy to open and close. The zipper mechanism ensures a tight seal, keeping air and moisture out. Zipper-lock bags can store leftovers, snacks, dry ingredients, fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, and more.Reusable Food Storage Bags: As a sustainable plastic storage solution, reusable food storage bags are the best alternative to single-use bags. These bags are made of quality materials, such as silicone and are BPA free. Therefore, they can be washed and reused many times. Reusable bags store dry ingredients, sandwiches, frozen fruits, and more.Plastic Meat Bags: These bags are a reliable and essential tool for butchers and meat suppliers in the food retail industry. These low-density gusset meat bags are designed to provide secure and safe packaging for various types of meat, ensuring proper handling and storage. Manufactured from high-quality seamless tubing, they are bottom-sealed for enhanced durability and strength, with no slits or side seals, preventing leaks and contamination. These bags are printed with clear, safe handling guidelines, offering customers helpful information on proper meat care.Slide Seal Bags: These bags have a zipper with a sliding mechanism for opening and closing. These are designed to store dry snacks, nuts, or refrigerating chopped vegetables. Manufactured with a variety of thick plastics, these bags can be washed and reused several times.Proven Tips for Proper Food StorageHere are some proven and easy-to-follow tips to ensure the food stays fresh and safe.Choose the Right Size: The bags must fit your food item well. Overcrowding can lead to air pockets, which can compromise food quality. You can use multiple small-sized bags to store dry fruits or snacks to fit them in constrained spaces.Label Your Bags: Labeling plays a key role when storing food. This can help track what’s inside and when it is stored. This practice benefits frozen items as it can prevent the “mystery meal” phenomenon.Remove Air: Removing the air inside a bag retains the freshness of the food product and this is essential for long-term storage. This helps prevent freezer burn and spoilage, allowing your food to retain its flavor and texture.Avoid Overfilling: It is important to leave extra space at the top of your bags, especially for liquids. This helps avoid spills and ensures that the bag seals properly.Right Temperature: Set an appropriate freezer temperature, considering the type of food stored inside the bag. Keep your freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or lower for frozen items. Ensure your fridge is set at 40°F (4°C) or lower for refrigerated items.Keep Bags Dry: Ensure the bags are dry before sealing your food in bags. Any moisture present inside can lead to food spoilage.Plastic bags are not just food storage tools but allies in safe and efficient food management. However, the quality of food storage bags makes a significant difference. If you need food storage bags, consult a reliable player who supplies bags meeting FDA requirements for food applications. Universal Plastic is a renowned name in the packaging industry. The company offers premium quality plastic bags, food and fish bags, and more. You can browse our zip-lock bags for food and fish, plastic meat bags, slide-seal bags, and plastic produce bags.
