Baby Food
Baby food spoils quickly once opened because it lacks the preservatives found in many packaged foods, and jars or pouches should be treated as fresh food, not shelf stable. Unopened jars and pouches keep well until their date, but opened baby food needs prompt refrigeration and quick use.
| Food | Pantry | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cereal, dry mixes | |||
| Dinners | |||
| Formula | |||
| Fruit | |||
| Jars or pouches | |||
| Liquid concentrate or ready-to-feed formula | |||
| Vegetables(2 kinds) |
Signs baby food have gone bad
- Lid pops or bulges when you open the jar
- Sour or off smell instead of the usual mild scent
- Colour looks darker or duller than a fresh jar
- Watery separation that will not stir back together
- Mould spots on the surface or under the lid
Storage habits
Store unopened jars and pouches in a cool, dark cupboard away from the stove. Once opened, refrigerate immediately in a sealed container and use within the time on the label, usually one to three days. Never feed a baby straight from the jar with a used spoon, since saliva speeds spoilage; scoop out a portion instead.