Frequently Asked Questions

FOOD SAFETY

What is a safe internal temperature for cooking meat and poultry?

Cook all raw beef, pork, lamb and veal steaks, chops, and roasts to a minimum internal temperature of 145 °F as measured with a food thermometer before removing meat from the heat source. For safety and quality, allow meat to rest for at least three-minutes before carving or consuming. Cook all raw ground beef, pork, lamb, and veal to an internal temperature of 160 °F. Cook all poultry (whole, pieces & ground) to an internal temperature of 165 °F as measured with a food thermometer. (ask.usda.gov)

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How do I know when my food is “done”?

The best way to know if your food is done cooking is to use a food thermometer. When your food reaches a safe internal temperature as measured by a food thermometer, it is done and ready to eat. (ask.usda.gov)

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When and how should I wash my hands during the cooking process?

Handwashing is important to the overall cooking process and will help keep you healthy. Wash your hands with soap and water before you start cooking and after each time you touch uncooked or raw meats, poultry, seafood, flour or eggs during cooking.

Handwashing should include these 5 steps:

  1. Wet hands.
  2. Lather.
  3. Scrub for at least 20 seconds.
  4. Rinse
  5. Dry with clean towel.

(ask.usda.gov)

Do I need to wash any of the produce? How should fresh produce be washed before eating?

To ensure food safety, we recommend that you wash all fresh produce prior to consumption, including: fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Fresh produce typically comes straight from the farm, so rinsing or scrubbing your produce is advised. Gently rub produce "skin", such as tomatoes, under cold running water. Scrub firm produce, such as carrots or onions, with a clean produce brush under running water.

Consumers should not wash fruits and vegetables with detergent or soap. These products are not approved or labeled by the Food and Drug Administration for use on foods. (ask.usda.gov)

Should I wash meat or poultry before cooking?
Do not wash or rinse raw meat or poultry before you cook it. Washing can cause bacteria found on the surface of meat or poultry to be spread to ready-to-eat foods, kitchen utensils, and counter surfaces. This is called cross-contamination. Failure to clean these contaminated areas can lead to foodborne illness. Cooking (baking, broiling, boiling, and grilling) to the right temperature kills the bacteria, so washing food is not necessary. Using a food thermometer is the only sure way of knowing if your food has reached a high enough temperature to destroy foodborne bacteria. (ask.usda.gov)
If I experienced a food safety issue with my box, ingredient(s), and/or specific meal-kit, what should I do?
At HelloFresh, the safety and quality of our ingredients is our highest priority. In the event that you experience a food safety issue or concern with your order, please reach out to our Customer Care team. You will be directed to a specialized team of food safety agents who provide dedicated support and assistance. To better aid our investigation process, we may ask for additional information regarding your order (i.e. recipe names, pictures, delivery and packaging information).
Where do I store my Ready To Blend Smoothies?

They should always be stored in your freezer, not refrigerator.
To enjoy, simply follow the instructions listed on the packaging of each cup.
We always recommend viewing the packaging for the most up to date prep instructions and enjoy by date once you receive our Ready to Blend Smoothies!

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