Some smart way of dealing with food and its possible wastage during Ramadan

We should:
Buy only what we want and in actual quantities rather than random shopping.
Buying items with a longer expiry dates for ease in using it during that period.
Buying food items especially fruits and vegetables in smaller quantities depending on use.
Daily checking the food items in our fridge/ deep freezer and in our fruit basket regarding items that may get rot/ expired. Utilizing it or giving it to others before it becomes waste.
Utilizing leftover foods. Storing, saving and re-using the left overs 'as it is' or making other food/ eatables from the left overs.

 

I think the reason why there's overspending or over-shopping during Ramadan is to avoid from going to supermarket and stuck in a long queue. Then, there the leftovers everywhere.

Here are some basic food safety tips to help keep leftovers safe.

Handling leftovers

• Before and after handling leftovers, wash your hands with hot soapy water, as well as all utensils, dishes and work surfaces.
• Keep foods out of the danger zone, between 4°C (40°F) and 60°C (140°F) to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
• Throw away any cooked food left out at room temperature for more than two hours.
• Never rely on your nose, eyes or taste buds to judge the safety of food. You cannot tell if food is contamined by its look, smell or taste.
• When in doubt, throw it out!

Cooling leftovers

• Refrigerate all leftovers promptly in uncovered, shallow containers so they cool quickly.
• Very hot items can first be cooled at room temperature. Refrigerate once steaming stops.
• Leave the lid off or wrap loosely until the food is cooled to refrigeration temperature.
• Avoid overstocking the refrigerator to allow cool air to circulate freely.

Storing leftovers

• Always use a clean container to hold the leftovers, or wrap the leftovers in leak-proof plastic bags to prevent cross-contamination. Keep different types of leftovers separate.
• Eat refrigerated leftovers within 2 to 3 days, or freeze them for later use.
• Date leftovers to help identify the contents and to ensure they are not stored too long.

Defrosting leftovers

• Thaw frozen leftovers in the refrigerator or in the microwave. Ensure food is properly sealed.
• Consume or cook the leftovers immediately after they have thawed.

Refrigerator

• Place the container or platter on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator to avoid leakage on other foods during thawing.

Microwave

• Before defrosting, remove food from any packaging or containers not identified as microwave-safe (such as plastic wrap, freezer cartons, and Styrofoam trays). Only use containers and wraps that are labelled as microwave safe.
• Use the defrost setting of your microwave and make sure leftovers are completely defrosted before reheating.
• Use or eat the leftovers immediately after defrosting. Don't re-freeze foods that you've defrosted in the microwave.

Reheating leftovers

• Reheat leftovers to a safe internal temperature of 74ºC (165ºF).
• Use a digital food thermometer to check the temperature.
• Bring gravies, soups and sauces to a full, rolling boil and stir during the process.
• Discard uneaten leftovers after they have been reheated.

Reheating in a microwave

• Use only containers and plastic wrap designed for use in the microwave.
• Loosen the lid or wrap to allow steam to escape.
• Stop the microwave midway through reheating and stir the food so that the heat is evenly distributed.
• Rotate the plate several times during cooking if your microwave does not have a rotating tray.

 

A Big Question, what happens everyday with the leftover from the iftar and suhoor dinners at big hotels everyday. What that waste food end ups. Is it being disposed or donated to labour camps ?

 

Yes. I wonder that also. Unless someone here working in a hotel who can share his idea about that Big question. Well, I hope that donating them to labour camps or reinventing these leftovers and donate to feeding program have come cross to their mind.

 

Is any hotel you know going this practice ??