Food Safety Issues/Fresh Peeled Garlic

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Expert: Carol Schlitt - 9/6/2007


Question
Is fresh peeled garlic (not in an oil mixture) considered a potentially hazardous food? How long is it good for and should it be kept under refrigeration?

Answer
Hi Julie,

No -- fresh peeled garlic is not a potentially hazardous food.  It only becomes hazardous when not properly washed and then submerged in oil (oxygen free environment).  Botulism has been know to grow in that condition.

Fresh garlic can be stored frozen for several months. If garlic has been chopped, minced, or prepared in any way, it should be refrigerated. It should last several weeks in the refrigerator.

Be sure to store in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent the garlic odor from affecting other foods.

Carol

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Volunteer

Carol Schlitt

Expertise

I can answer questions on home food safety, sanitation, home food preservation and commercial food safety (HACCP).

Experience

I am a former Extension educator, nutrition, wellness and food safety, having retired August 1, 2010. I am a certified HACCP manager, a food safety instructor for the Illinois Department of Public Health and a 3rd party food safety and OSHA auditor of restaurants.

Organizations
International Association for Food Protection, American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (Certified CFCS), National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, St. Louis Culinary Society.

Education/Credentials
BS - University of Illinois MS - Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville

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