AboutCarol Schlitt Expertise I can answer questions on home food safety, sanitation, home food preservation and commercial food safety (HACCP).
Experience I am an Extension educator, nutrition, wellness and food safety. I am a certified HACCP manager and a food safety instructor for the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Organizations International Association for Food Protection, American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (Certified CFCS), National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Society for Nutrition Education.
Education/Credentials BS - University of Illinois
MS - Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville
Question Within the Haccp programe, can cake, (for example fruit cake), and scones be stored at room temperature after they are baked,and for how long?
Answer Hi Penny,
I do not know exactly how you are making your fruit cake, but normally it is not stored at room temperature for long term storage. Wrapped tightly in foil, fruit cake can last in the refrigerator 2-3 years, especially if it is wrapped in cheesecloth, soaked in liquor and periodically re-soaked to keep it nice in moist. Again I don't know your recipe but most commercial fruitcakes can last at room temperature from 1 to 4 months, depending upon the ingredients used.
Scones can stay at room temperature 3-4 days, and if wrapped tightly can be frozen up to 4 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight then bring them to room temperature to serve.
You will need to do research on your product to determine it's room temperature shelf life. Most manufacturers will do extensive studies to determine the shelf life of their product so that they can recommend storage options that will guarantee a high quality product within that storage range.
