Weston 65-1301-W User Manual

VACUUM SEALER

DUE TO CONSTANT FACTORY IMPROVEMENTS, THE PRODUCT PICTURED MIGHT DIFFER SLIGHTLY FROM THE PRODUCT IN THIS BOX.

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

TABLE OF CONTENTS / ÍNDICE / TABLE DES MATIÈRES

COMPONENT LIST PROTECTIVE TAPE CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS VACUUM CHAMBER SEALS COOLING FAN THERMAL OVERLOAD PROTECTOR LIMIT SWITCH OTHER CONSUMER SAFETY INFORMATION THERMAL OVERLOAD PROTECTION CONTROL BUTTONS OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS PREPARING VAC BAGS FROM A ROLL SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS REPLACING THE FUSE STORAGE LIFESPAN GUIDELINES FOOD SAFETY WARRANTY

3 4-5 6 6 7 7 7 7 8 8 9 9-10 11 11-12 12 13 14 16

SALVAGUARDIAS IMPORTANTES LISTA DE COMPONENTES CINTA PROTECTORA INSTRUCCIONES DE LIMPIEZA SELLOS DE LA CÁMARA DE VACÍO VENTILADOR DE REFRIGERACIÓN PROTECTOR DE SOBRECARGA TÉRMICA INTERRUPTOR DE LÍMITE OTRA INFORMACIÓN DE SEGURIDAD PARA EL CLIENTE PROTECCIÓN DE SOBRECARGA TÉRMICA BOTONES DEL CONTROL INSTRUCCIONES DE FUNCIONAMIENTO PREPARACIÓN DE BOLSAS AL VACÍO DE UN ROLLO INSTRUCCIONES DE MANTENIMIENTO REEMPLAZO DEL FUSIBLE PAUTAS SOBRE LA VIDA EN ALMACENAMIENTO SEGURIDAD DE LOS ALIMENTOS INFORMACIÓN DE GARANTÍA WESTON

PRÉCAUTIONS IMPORTANTES DESCRIPTION DE LA PIÈCE RUBAN PROTECTEUR INSTRUCTIONS DE NETTOYAGE GARNITURE DU CANAL D’ASPIRATION VENTILATEUR LIMITEUR DE SURCHARGE INTERRUPTEUR DE POSITION AUTRES RENSEIGNEMENTS DE SÉCURITÉ AU CONSOMMATEUR PROTECTION CONTRE UNE SURCHARGE TERMIQUE TOUCHES DE COMMANDE MODE D’EMPLOI FABRICATION D’UN SAC SUR MESURE AVEC UN ROULEAU INSTRUCTIONS D’ENTRETIEN REMPLACEMENT DU FUSIBLE GUIDE DE CONSERVATION DES ALIMENTS EMBALLÉS SÉCURITÉ ALIMENTAIRE INFORMATION SUR LA GARANTIE

18 20-21 22 22 23 23 23 23 24 24 25 25-26 27 27-28 28 29 30 32

34 36-37 38 38 39 39 39 39 40 40 41 41-42 43 43-44 44 45 46 47

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always

be followed to reduce the risk of re, electric shock, and/or injury to persons,

including the following:

1. Read all instructions.

2. ALWAYS DISCONNECT Vacuum Sealer from power source before servicing, changing accessories or cleaning the unit.

3. Plug the Vacuum Sealer into a standard 120 Volt, 60 Hz wall outlet. Avoid using extension cords.

4. DO NOT USE the Vacuum Sealer if the Power Cord, Plug or any other parts are damaged. If the Power Cord or the Vacuum Sealer is damaged, call Customer Service. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REPLACE THE CORD. Be sure to not allow the Power Cord to drape into your work area. Check that all parts are operating properly, and perform the intended functions. Check for any other conditions that may affect the operation.

5. NEVER use any accessories or parts from other manufacturers. Doing so will VOID YOUR WARRANTY and

may cause re, electrical shock or injury.

6. Reduce risk of unintentional starting. Make sure the Power Switch is in the “OFF” position before attaching to the power source.

9. TO PROTECT AGAINST RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK: DO NOT SUBMERGE THE VACUUM SEALER INTO WATER OR LIQUID. BE SURE THE VACUUM SEALER IS DISCONNECTED FROM THE POWER SOURCE BEFORE CLEANING. Follow the “Cleaning Instructions” in this booklet. NEVER rinse appliance Vacuum Sealer under tap.

10. NEVER LEAVE THE VACUUM SEALER UNATTENDED. Be safe, DISCONNECT the Vacuum Sealer from power source before leaving the work area. Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used near children. This appliance is NOT to be used by children.

11. DO NOT let the Power Cord hang over edge of work surface.

12. Be sure the Vacuum Sealer is on a stable work surface. Be sure all the Vacuum Sealer Feet are stable.

13. DO NOT use the Vacuum Sealer outdoors.

14. DO NOT use the Vacuum Sealer

while under the inuence of drugs,

medications or alcohol.

ENGLISH INSTRUCTIONS

7. KEEP FINGERS CLEAR of the Heat Sealing Bar and Seal Bar Tape AT ALL TIMES, these areas become HOT. Doing so may cause serious

injury.

8. DO NOT take this appliance apart; doing so will VOID YOUR WARRANTY and may result in

personal injury.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

15. The Vacuum Sealer is ONLY intended to be used with VACUUM BAGS. For best results, only use the recommended vacuum bags. DO NOT USE HOUSEHOLD BAGS! Any other uses of the Vacuum Sealer, other than the uses described in this booklet, could potentially damage the appliance and void the warranty!

Power Cord

Storage

ENGLISH INSTRUCTIONS

7 / 10

Vacuum

Lid

Pro-Series Vacuum Sealer

Maintenance Kit Sold Separately

Model No. 08-0501-W

O T S

R E

W O P

A E S

U U C

TA S

6 / 11

Power Cord Port

COMPONENT LIST

DIAGRAM NUMBER PART DESCRIPTION

1 POWER CORD 2 POWER INDICATOR SWITCH 3 FUSE HOLDER 4 10-AMP BUSS FUSE 5 RUBBER FOOT (6) 6 SEAL BAR HEATING ELEMENT WITH

SCREWS 7 VACUUM LID SEAL BAR ASSEMBLY 8 VACUUM LID HANDLE WITH SCREWS 9 INTERNAL COOLING FAN

10 10MM UPPER SEAL BAR TAPE 11 15MM LOWER SEAL BAR TAPE (2)*

*NOTE ONE EXTRA PIECE OF SEAL BAR TAPE IS

INCLUDED WITH THE ORIGINAL UNIT AS A SPARE.

12 OVAL VACUUM CHAMBER SEAL (2) 13 MAINTENANCE KIT

(SOLD SEPARATELY: INCLUDES 2

OVAL VACUUM CHAMBER SEALS, (1)

10MM UPPER SEAL BAR TAPE, (1)

15MM LOWER SEAL BAR TAPE

ENGLISH INSTRUCTIONS

If any components of this unit are broken, the unit does not operate properly or you

need a replacement instruction manual, visit us on the web at

WestonSupply.com

Or call Weston Brands, LLC Toll Free at 1-800-814-4895

Monday thru Friday 8:00am-5:00pm ET. Outside the U.S. call 001-216-901-6801

PROTECTIVE TAPE

There are two (2) factory installed

strips of Seal Bar Tape on the Vacuum Sealer.

DO NOT REMOVE THE TAPE!

ENGLISH INSTRUCTIONS

SEAL BAR TAPE

DO NOT

REMOVE!

OVAL VACUUM CHAMBER SEALS

DO NOT REMOVE!

The Seal Bar Heating Element and Vacuum Lid Seal are each covered with Seal Bar Tape to protect vacuum bags during sealing Figure 1. DO NOT remove the Seal Bar Tape. See the “Service Instructions” section of this manual for information on replacing the Seal Bar Tape, if necessary.

*NOTE one extra piece of Seal Bar Tape is included with the original unit as a spare.

FIGURE 1

CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS

w WARNING

. NEVER IMMERSE the Vacuum Sealer in water or other liquid.

. Make sure the Vacuum Sealer has completely cooled before cleaning it.

. Wipe clean all outside surfaces including the Plastic Vacuum Chamber and Vacuum Lid with a damp cloth or paper towel. Most household spray cleaners are safe to use. Avoid spraying directly into the vent on the left side of the unit. DO NOT use abrasive cleansers! Abrasive cleansers will spoil the clarity of the Vacuum Lid.

. Be careful while cleaning not to peel or damage the strips of Seal Bar Tape covering the Seal Bar Heating Element and Vacuum Lid Seal.

. Dry all surfaces and close the Vacuum Lid before storing the Vacuum Sealer.

Electrical Shock Hazard. Before cleaning, assembling, or disassembling the vacuum sealer, make sure the vacuum sealer is unplugged.

VACUUM CHAMBER SEALS

There are two factory-installed Oval Vacuum Chamber Seals on the Vacuum Sealer. When the Vacuum Lid is closed and downward force applied, they form an airtight seal so the Vacuum Chamber can be evacuated.

The Oval Vacuum Chamber Seals may wear over time and require replacement. See the “Service Instructions” section of this manual for information on replacing the Oval Vacuum Chamber Seals, if necessary.

COOLING FAN

The Vacuum Sealer has an Internal Cooling Fan that runs whenever the unit is plugged in and turned on. To save energy, turn the unit “OFF” and unplug the Power Cord when not in use.

THERMAL OVERLOAD PROTECTOR

The Vacuum Sealer will automatically shut down if it overheats. If this occurs, turn the unit off and open the Vacuum Lid. Resume normal operation after the unit cools about 20 minutes.

To help prevent overheating, wait at least 20 seconds between cycles with the Vacuum Lid open. Avoid touching the Seal Bar Tape. The Seal Bar Tape will remain hot for a brief period of time after each sealing cycle.

LIMIT SWITCH

The Vacuum Sealer is equipped with a switch to prevent actuation of the Seal Bar Heating Element in manual mode when the Vacuum Lid is open. When the Vacuum Lid is closed, heat made by the Seal Bar Heating Element is absorbed by the vacuum bag and Vacuum Lid Seal.

ENGLISH INSTRUCTIONS

When the Vacuum Lid is open, there is no means to dissipate the heat and unit damage may occur.

NOTE: The Vacuum Sealer is ONLY intended to be used with VACUUM BAGS. For best results, only use the recommended vacuum bags with an embossed or mesh lining. DO NOT USE HOUSEHOLD BAGS! Any other uses of the Vacuum Sealer, other than the uses described in this booklet, could potentially damage the appliance and void the warranty!

OTHER CONSUMER SAFETY INFORMATION

w WARNING

grounded (3-prong) plug to reduce the risk of electric shock. The plug fits only one way into a grounded outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the plug by modifying the plug in any way or by using an adapter. If the plug does not fit fully into the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, have an electrician replace the outlet.

The length of the cord used on this appliance was selected to reduce the hazards of becoming tangled in or tripping over a longer cord. If a longer cord is necessary, an approved extension cord may be used. The electrical rating of the extension cord must be equal to or greater than the rating of the appliance. Care must be taken to arrange the extension cord so that it will not drape over the countertop or tabletop where it can be pulled on by children or accidentally

ENGLISH INSTRUCTIONS

tripped over.

Electrical Shock Hazard: This appliance is provided with a

THERMAL OVERLOAD PROTECTION

The vacuum sealer will automatically shut off if it overheats. If this occurs, unplug the unit and open the vacuum lid. Resume normal operation after the unit cools or about 20 minutes.

Always allow 20 seconds minimum for cool down between operations.

• This allows the heat-seal bar to cool down.

• Placing a new bag in the unit and closing the lid when the

heat-seal bar is still hot will cause the bag to prematurely melt together before vacuum seal operation.

w CAUTION

Burn Hazard. Avoid touching the heat-seal bar.

CONTROL BUTTONS

STOP BUTTON

Pressing the Stop Button stops to halt the vacuuming process Figure 3.

MANUAL SEAL BUTTON

Press the Manual Seal Button during the vacuuming process to initiate the seal (before the preset vacuum pressure is reached) Figure 3.

START BUTTON

Press the Start Button to initiate the vacuuming process (the Vacuum Sealer will automatically seal the bag when a preset vacuum pressure is reached) Figure 3.

Rec on n ec t with Re al Food

PRO-2100

VACUUM

SEALER

U.S. P atented

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

AUTOMATIC VACUUM SEAL

1. PLUG power cord into 120-Volt outlet

2. Turn the POWER SWITCH to the “ON” position

3. Place VACUUM BAG OPEN END into VACUUM CHAMBER (See Instruction Book for Details)

4. CLOSE LID – APPLY PRESSURE to HANDLE – push START button

5. The machine will VACUUM and SEAL automatically*

MANUAL SEAL MODE

MANUAL SEAL MODE is used to disengage the vacuum pump and engage the sealing function manually

1. Follow steps 1-4 of the Automatic Vacuum Seal Instructions

2. When the desired vaccum is reached, press the MANUAL SEAL BUTTON

3. The machine will begin sealing the bag*

* The Sealing Time is pre-set to 3 seconds. The Cooling Time is pre-set to 3 seconds. THIS IS ONLY A QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE. THOROUGHLY READ AND UNDERSTAND THE SUPPLIED INSTRUCTION MANUAL BEFORE USING THIS APPLIANCE.

POWER

VACUUM

SEAL

COOL

FIGURE 3

STOP

MANUAL SEAL

START

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

w WARNING

· CAUTION: The Seal Bar Heating Element and Vacuum Lid Seal get HOT! Avoid touching them. Be careful while loading bags into the Vacuum Chamber.

Electrical Shock Hazard. Before cleaning, assembling, or disassembling the vacuum sealer, make sure the vacuum sealer is unplugged.

ENGLISH INSTRUCTIONS

· DO NOT try to open the Vacuum Lid before the vacuum has released or unit damage may occur.

· Wait at least 20 seconds between cycles to avoid overheating the unit.

· DO NOT allow liquids, powder or other small substances to be sucked into the Vacuum Port or unit damage may occur. Press the “Stop” Button to hault the vacuum process. Use the “Manual Seal” Button when vacuum sealing liquids.

· The Vacuum Sealer is ONLY intended to be used with VACUUM BAGS. For best results, only use the recommended vacuum bags. DO NOT USE HOUSEHOLD BAGS! Any other uses of the Vacuum Sealer, other than the uses described in this booklet, could potentially damage the appliance and void the warranty.

1. Make sure the Vacuum Sealer is in the “OFF” position. Attach the Vacuum Sealer to the power supply.

2. Turn the Vacuum Sealer “ON”.

3. The “POWER” Light on the display, “POWER INDICATOR” Switch both will illuminate and the Internal Cooling Fan will run.

4. Open the Vacuum Lid.

5. Fill a vacuum bag with the product you want to seal. Leave at least 2” (5 cm) of space between the open end of the bag and product Figure 4.

6. Load the open end of the bag into the Lower Vacuum Chamber. Center the bag in the Lower Vacuum Chamber. Place the bag close to, but do not cover, the Vacuum Port. Be careful not to touch either strip of Seal Bar Tape which may be HOT from a previous heating cycle.

7. Close the Vacuum Lid. Make sure there are no folds or creases in the bag in the sealing area.

8. Press down on the Vacuum Lid Handle to form a tight seal.

9. Press the “START” Button to initiate the vacuuming process (the “VACUUM”

Light will illuminate). Release the Vacuum Lid Handle at the rst sign of bag

collapse. The Vacuum Sealer will automatically seal the bag when a preset vacuum pressure is reached in the Vacuum Chamber. Sealing lasts for 3 seconds (the “SEAL” Light will illuminate).

ENGLISH INSTRUCTIONS

10. To manually seal a bag press the Manual Seal Button at any time during the vacuuming process.

11. You can stop the vacuuming process at any time by pressing the “STOP” Button.

12. Sealing is complete when the Vacuum Chamber releases after a 3 second cooling period (the “COOL” Light will illuminate). The release is audible.

13. Open the Vacuum Lid and remove the bag. DO NOT try to open the Vacuum Lid before the vacuum has released or unit damage may occur. Wait at least 20 seconds before sealing another bag to avoid overheating the unit.

14. Turn the Vacuum Sealer “OFF” and unplug the Power Cord when you are done.

Leave 2”

(5 cm)

Space

FIGURE 4

Bag in Center of

Vacuum Chamber

Vacuum

Port

PREPARING VAC BAGS FROM A ROLL

1. Make sure the Vacuum Sealer is in the “OFF” position. Attach the Vacuum Sealer to the power supply.

2. Turn the Vacuum Sealer “ON”.

3. The “POWER” Light on the display, “POWER INDICATOR” Switch both will illuminate and the Internal Cooling Fan will run.

4. Open the Vacuum Lid.

5. Cut a vacuum bag to the length you want from a roll.

6. Place either open end of the bag against the outer face of the Oval Vacuum Chamber Seal in the Vacuum Chamber (not in the Vacuum Chamber).

7. Close the Vacuum Lid. The bag end should be sandwiched between the Vacuum Lid Seal and Seal Bar Heating Element. Make sure there are no wrinkles or creases in the bag in the sealing area.

8. Press and hold the Vacuum Lid Handle down. You may need to continue holding the bag.

9. Press the “START” Button (this will engage the Pump and the Heating Element). Press the Manual Seal Button to seal the vacuum bag.

10. Sealing is complete when the Vacuum Chamber releases after a 3 second cooling period (the “COOL” Light will illuminate). The release is audible.

11. Open the Vacuum Lid and remove the bag. DO NOT try to open the Vacuum Lid before the vacuum has released or unit damage may occur. Wait at least 20 seconds before sealing another bag to avoid overheating the unit.

12. Turn the Vacuum Sealer “OFF” and unplug the Power Cord when you are done.

ENGLISH INSTRUCTIONS

SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS

w WARNING

Some parts of the Vacuum Sealer may need replacing after repeated use. A Vacuum Sealer Maintenance Kit (Sold Separately Model No. 08-0501-W) may be necessary for the Vacuum Sealer to properly function.

REPLACING THE OVAL VACUUM CHAMBER SEALS:

1. Turn “OFF” the Vacuum Sealer and remove the Power Cord from the electrical outlet.

2. Make sure the unit is completely cool.

3. Open the Vacuum Lid.

4. Remove the Oval Vacuum Chamber Seal from the groove on the underside of the Vacuum Lid.

5. Remove the Oval Vacuum Chamber Seal from the groove in the Plastic Vacuum Chamber.

Electrical Shock Hazard. Before cleaning, assembling, or disassembling the vacuum sealer, make sure the vacuum sealer is unplugged.

6. Set a new Oval Vacuum Chamber Seal on the groove in the Plastic Vacuum Chamber. Work the seal into the groove.

7. Position a new Oval Vacuum Chamber Seal near the groove in the Vacuum Lid. Work the seal into the groove.

REPLACING THE SEAL BAR TAPE:

*NOTE one extra piece of Seal Bar Tape is included with the original unit as a spare.

1. Turn “OFF” the Vacuum Sealer and remove the Power Cord from the electrical outlet.

2. Make sure the unit is completely cool.

3. Open the Vacuum Lid.

4. Pick at either end of the Seal Bar Tape covering the Seal Bar Heating Element until it lifts slightly. Grasp the loose end and slowly pull the Seal Bar Tape back over itself until fully removed.

ENGLISH INSTRUCTIONS

5. Repeat step 4 for the Seal Bar Tape covering Vacuum Lid Seal. DO NOT remove the Seal.

6. Remove the backing from a new wide strip of Seal Bar Tape for the Seal Bar Heating Element. Be careful not to allow the Seal Bar Tape to contact anything including itself while the adhesive side is exposed.

7. Hold one end of the Seal Bar Tape in each hand. Stick the left end of the Seal Bar

Tape to the at area on the Plastic Vacuum Chamber just left of the Seal Bar Heating

Element. Apply the Seal Bar Tape from left to right over the Seal Bar Heating Element until done. Make sure there are no wrinkles or folds in the Seal Bar Tape once applied. The Seal Bar Tape should fully cover the Seal Bar Heating Element.

8. Remove the backing from a new narrow strip of Seal Bar Tape for the Vacuum Lid Seal. Stick the left end of the Seal Bar Tape onto the left end of the Seal. The Seal Bar

Tape and Seal ends should be ush. Apply the Seal Bar Tape from left to right over

the Vacuum Lid Seal until done. Make sure there are no wrinkles or folds in the Seal Bar Tape once applied. The Seal Bar Tape should fully cover the Vacuum Lid Seal.

REPLACING THE FUSE

If the Vacuum Sealer does not operate when it is plugged in and turned on, try any or all of the following:

1. Make sure the Fuse is not blown. The Fuse is located on the right side of the unit directly above the Power Cord Port. Turn “OFF” and unplug the Vacuum Sealer. Twist off and remove the Fuse Cap. Remove and check the Fuse. The thin metal band in the center of the Fuse should be clean and

unbroken. If it is burned and/or broken, replace it with a new

Fuse (10 Amp). Replace the Fuse Cap.

2. Make sure the Connector at the end of the Power Cord is plugged completely into the Power Cord Port.

3. Make sure the Power Cord is not damaged. DO NOT use a damaged Power Cord. Call the Customer Service line for information on part replacement.

4. Try connecting the Power Cord Plug to another electrical outlet.

FIGURE 5

STORAGE LIFESPAN GUIDELINES

. IMPORTANT NOTE: Vacuum packaging is NOT a substitute for refrigeration. Vacuum packed perishable foods still require refrigeration.

. NEVER thaw frozen foods at room temperature. Thaw frozen foods in a refrigerator or microwave oven.

. In general, the colder the temperature at which foods are stored, the longer the shelf life.

. Handle vacuum sealer bags with care. Avoid damaging them. A damaged bag will not hold a seal.

. Only use information in the following chart as a guideline! Refer to the “Vacuum Packaging Guidelines” and “Food Safety” sections of this manual. Actual storage life spans may vary. Check all food for spoilage before use.

FOOD STORAGE NORMAL VACUUM

TYPE LOCATION LIFE PACKED LIFE

LARGE CUTS OF MEAT Freezer 6 months 2-3 years GROUND MEAT Freezer 4 months 1 year FISH Freezer 6 months 2 years

For best results, freeze meats & sh for 1-2 hours before vacuum packing to help prevent moisture

COFFEE BEANS Room temperature 4 weeks 16 months COFFEE BEANS Freezer 6-9 months 2-3 years FLOUR, RICE, SUGAR Room Temperature 6 months 1-2 years

For best results, powder or grainy substances should be kept in their original container or bag, then placed in a

BERRIES strawberries, raspberries, blackberries Refrigerator 1-3 days 1 week BERRIES cranberries, huckleberries, blueberries Refrigerator 3-6 days 2 weeks

To prevent berries from being crushed by the vacuum sealer, it is best to freeze item before packing. Spread the berries out on a

cookie sheet to allow them to freeze individually. Berries frozen in a large block will be difcult to vacuum seal due to the

CHEESE Refrigerator 1-2 weeks 4-8 months

If vacuum packed cheese is used often, make sure the vacuum bag is long enough to allow for repeated sealing. For shredded

cheese, place a paper towel inside the vacuum bag, on top of the cheese to prevent the cheese from being

COOKIES, CRACKERS, BREADS with periodical opening Room Temperature 1-2 weeks 3-6 weeks

PASTA, GRAINS, DRIED BEANS Room Temperature 6 months 1-1/2 years NUTS Room Temperature 6 months 2 years

Dried foods with sharp edges should be wrapped in a paper towel or other matter to prevent the sharp edges from puncturing the vacuum bag.

LETTUCE Refrigerator 3-6 days 2 weeks

VEGETABLES Freezer 8 months 2 1/2 years

To maximize the taste of vegetables, blanch them before vacuum packaging. Blanching cooks the vegetables very briey, sealing

in the avor, color and texture, leaving the vegetables cooked but still crisp. Vegetables can be blanched in boiling water in the microwave,

most vegetables only require 2-3 minutes (corn on the cob requires 6-11 minutes). Then immerse the vegetables in cold water to

and juices from interfering with the seal of the vacuum bag.

vacuum bag for sealing to prevent interfering with the seal of the vacuum bag.

many small air pockets that would form between the berries.

sucked into the Vacuum Sealer or interfering with the sealing of the bag.

Freeze soft airy foods for 1-2 hours prior vacuum packing, to retain shape & texture.

Wash & thoroughly dry leafy vegetables before vacuum packaging.

stop the cooking process. Dry the vegetables, then vacuum pack.

Table adapted from Dr. G.K.York, Dept. of Food Science & Tech, U of California, Davis.

ENGLISH INSTRUCTIONS

FOOD SAFETY

There are basic rules to follow when handling food.

They are COOK, SEPARATE, CLEAN, and CHILL.

COOK

It’s crucial to cook food to a safe internal temperature to destroy bacteria that is present. The safety of hamburgers and other foods made with ground meat has been receiving a lot of attention lately, and with good reason. When meat is ground, the bacteria present on the surface is mixed throughout the ground mixture. If this ground meat is not cooked to at least 160oF to 165oF (71oC to 74oC), bacteria will not be destroyed and there’s a good chance you will get sick.

Solid pieces of meat like steaks and chops don’t have dangerous bacteria like E. coli on the inside, so they can be served more rare. Still, any beef cut should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 145oF (63oC) (medium rare). The safe temperature for poultry is 165oF (75oC) and solid cuts of pork should be cooked to 145oF (63oC).

ENGLISH INSTRUCTIONS

SEPARATE

Foods that will be eaten uncooked and foods that will be cooked before eating MUST ALWAYS be separated. Cross-contamination occurs when raw meats or eggs come in

contact with foods that will be eaten uncooked. This is a major source of food poisoning.

Always double-wrap raw meats and place them on the lowest shelf in the refrigerator so

there is no way juices can drip onto fresh produce. Then use the raw meats within 1-2 days

of purchase, or freeze for longer storage. Defrost frozen meats in the refrigerator, not on the counter.

When grilling or cooking raw meats or sh, make sure to place the cooked meat on a clean

platter. Don’t use the same platter you used to carry the food out to the grill. Wash the utensils used in grilling after the food is turned for the last time on the grill, as well as spatulas and spoons used for stir-frying or turning meat as it cooks.

Make sure to wash your hands after handling raw meats or raw eggs. Washing hands with soap and water, or using a pre-moistened antibacterial towelette is absolutely necessary after you have touched raw meat or raw eggs. Not washing hands and surfaces while cooking is a

major cause of cross-contamination.

CLEAN

Wash your hands and work surfaces frequently when you are cooking. Washing with soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds, then dry with a paper towel.

CHILL

Chilling food is very important. The danger zone where bacteria multiply is between 40oF and 140oF (4oC and 60oC). Your refrigerator should be set to 40oF (4oC) or below; your freezer should be 0oF (-18oC) or below. Simple rule: serve hot foods hot, cold foods cold. Use chang dishes or hot plates to keep food hot while serving. Use ice water baths to keep cold foods cold. Never let any food sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours - 1 hour if the ambient temperature is 90oF (32oC) or above. When packing for a picnic, make sure the foods are already chilled

when they go into the insulated hamper. The hamper won’t chill food - it just keeps food cold

when properly packed with ice. Hot cooked foods should be placed in shallow containers and immediately refrigerated so they cool rapidly. Make sure to cover foods after they are cool.

NOTE: Special considerations must be made when using venison or other wild game, since it

can become heavily contaminated during eld dressing. Venison is often held at temperatures

that could potentially allow bacteria to grow, such as when it is being transported. Refer to the USDA Meat and Poultry Department for further questions or information on meat and food safety.

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