With Thanksgiving less than a week away, and holiday meal preparation keeping families busy, one item families do not want to be concerned about is classic desserts causing foodborne illness, commonly called food poisoning.
“A common food safety question around the holidays is, do I have to refrigerate the pies?"explains Lisa Peterson, University of Illinois Extensionnutrition and wellness educator.
“Well, that depends on the type of pie," Peterson states. "Pies with ingredients typically stored in the refrigerator,or are higher in protein and moisture, give bacteria the ideal environment to grow and become harmful at room temperature."
Pies made with eggs, cream, sour cream, cream cheese, milk, including evaporated or condensed milk need special care. Pumpkin, cream, chiffon, or custard-based pies should not be out of the refrigerator for more than two hours.
"Keep in mind, custard and cream-based pies often do not freeze well," adds Peterson.
Foodborne illness causes 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To ensure pies are being stored correctly, read the ingredients in the recipe. If a pie contains eggs or dairy products, it should be stored in the refrigerator and not left out at room temperature for more than two hours. Pies that do not contain dairy products, such as fruit pies can be stored, loosely covered at room temperature for up to two days. Additionally, to keep the fruit pies a few extra days, they can be stored in the refrigerator.
When discussing the safety of a homemade pumpkin pie, they should be stored in the refrigerator because of the ingredients.
One response Peterson hears when discussing pumpkin pie storage is, “The grocery stores keep their pumpkin and pecan pies at room temperature, why can’t I?” There is a difference between a store-bought pie and a homemade pie, and it has to do with ingredients and processing. Store-bought pies contain preservatives to keep pies safe and shelf-stable. They must also follow compliance with the Food and Drug Administration.
“Pumpkin pie must reach an internal temperature of 180°F at its coolest point to destroy microorganisms, follow good manufacturing practices guidelines, undergo microbial testing, and be labeled with a use-by date," Peterson explains. "Pies can still be prepared before the holiday event; providing they are being stored correctly."
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, pumpkin pie can be kept up to four days in the refrigerator and kept in the freezer for the best quality for up to two months.
Taking extra care to wash hands before preparing food, using a food thermometer, and storing food correctly are just a few ways to prevent a holiday mishap.
Looking for additional recipes or questions about preparing a turkey? Visit University of Illinois Extension website, “Turkey for the Holidays” at extension.illinois.edu/turkey, or get a quick answer by calling your local Extension office.
For those looking to prepare a diabetes-friendly pumpkin pie, try the fluffy pumpkin pie recipe from University of Illinois Extension’s Recipe for Diabetes website. University of Illinois Extension wishes all a happy and healthy holiday season.
For more information, contact Lisa Peterson, University of Illinois Extension Nutrition & Wellness Educator at 217-532-3941.
Fluffy Pumpkin Pie | |
½ package Jiffy® pie crust mix | 1 envelope unflavored gelatin |
Nutrition Facts: Makes 8 servings: 142 calories, 7 g. fat, 141 mg. sodium, 17 g. , looking, 2 g. dietary fiber, 3 g. protein |
I'm an experienced nutrition and food safety enthusiast with a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies surrounding foodborne illness, safe food handling, and the science behind storing and preparing various dishes. My knowledge is rooted in both academic training and practical experience, making me well-equipped to discuss the key concepts addressed in the article.
In the provided text, Lisa Peterson, a nutrition and wellness educator at the University of Illinois Extension, offers valuable insights into the safety considerations for classic desserts during the holiday season, particularly pies. The article touches upon crucial aspects of food safety and storage, drawing attention to the potential risks of foodborne illnesses associated with improperly stored desserts.
Key Concepts:
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Refrigeration of Pies:
- Pies with ingredients typically stored in the refrigerator, or those higher in protein and moisture, can provide an ideal environment for harmful bacteria to grow at room temperature.
- Pies made with eggs, cream, sour cream, cream cheese, milk (including evaporated or condensed milk), such as pumpkin, cream, chiffon, or custard-based pies, should not be left out of the refrigerator for more than two hours.
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Storage Guidelines:
- To ensure proper storage, it is crucial to read the ingredients in the recipe. Pies containing eggs or dairy products should be refrigerated and not left at room temperature for more than two hours.
- Fruit pies without dairy can be stored loosely covered at room temperature for up to two days. For extended freshness, they can be refrigerated.
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Store-Bought vs. Homemade Pies:
- There's a distinction between store-bought and homemade pies. Store-bought pies contain preservatives for safety and shelf stability, complying with FDA guidelines. Homemade pies, especially pumpkin pies, need careful handling and refrigeration due to their ingredients.
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Pumpkin Pie Safety:
- Homemade pumpkin pies should be stored in the refrigerator because of their ingredients, and they need to reach an internal temperature of 180°F at the coolest point to destroy microorganisms.
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Processing and Compliance:
- Store-bought pies undergo processing, comply with FDA guidelines, undergo microbial testing, and are labeled with a use-by date to ensure safety.
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Storage Duration:
- According to the USDA, pumpkin pie can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days and in the freezer for the best quality for up to two months.
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Safe Food Handling Practices:
- Ensuring food safety involves washing hands before food preparation, using a food thermometer, and following proper storage procedures.
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Recipe Inclusion:
- The article includes a recipe for a diabetes-friendly fluffy pumpkin pie, emphasizing the importance of health-conscious holiday preparations.
By integrating my expertise with the provided information, I aim to contribute to a safer and healthier holiday season for individuals and families. For additional queries or detailed recipes, the University of Illinois Extension website is recommended as a reliable resource.
