Dairy Products

Dairy products are perishable and do not store long. As with dry foods, compare the number of items received with the invoice and check all items for damage and leakage. Check the best-before date on each container, which should be at least a week after the receiving date. Dairy products must be stored in the refrigerator at temperatures of 2°C to 4°C (36° to 39°F).

Follow these guidelines:

• The fat in dairy products tends to absorb strong odors from the storage surroundings. To reduce the likelihood of this happening, store dairy products in their own area in protective coverings.
• Do not store dairy products in a vegetable cooler; a separate refrigerator is much more acceptable.
• Keep the refrigerator clean at all times.
• Rotate dairy products when the fresh product arrives. Dairy products should not be ordered too far in advance of when they will be used. Ideally, such products should be delivered daily.