USDA FoodKeeper

Name: USDA FoodKeeper
Author: United States Department of Agriculture

United States Department of Agriculture

DOCUMENTED

Published in academic literature

For:General Public & Enthusiasts

Free

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App Summary

The USDA FoodKeeper app is a reference tool for consumers, providing storage and safety guidelines for over 650 food and beverage items to help maximize food quality and reduce household waste. The associated research describes how the app operationalizes food safety principles from the USDA, offering specific storage timelines for various conditions and integrating features like recall alerts and calendar notifications for expiration dates. By combining safe handling and cooking guidance into a portable tool, the authors conclude the app supports public health initiatives to reduce foodborne illness and the environmental impact of food waste.

App Screenshots

Detailed Description

Functionality & Mechanism Developed by the USDA in collaboration with Cornell University, the FoodKeeper application provides evidence-based storage timelines for over 650 food and beverage items. The system's interface facilitates item lookup via categorical search or voice control. Core modules include a calendar integration for automated expiration notifications, access to real-time USDA and FDA food safety recalls, and a library of educational videos on proper food handling. The application is available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Evidence & Research Context

The associated research describes the application as a digital resource for maximizing food quality and reducing household food waste, a significant public health and environmental concern.
The platform's content is developed and maintained by the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service, translating established food science principles into consumer guidance.
Its database contains specific storage advice for more than 650 food and beverage items across pantry, refrigerated, and frozen conditions to preserve peak freshness.
The system's design integrates safe handling and cooking guidance to support broader public health initiatives aimed at reducing the risk of foodborne illness.

Intended Use & Scope Intended for use by the general public, this application functions as a reference tool to inform household food storage and safety practices. Its primary scope is the reduction of food waste through evidence-based shelf-life guidelines. The system provides informational guidance and is not a substitute for direct food safety inspection or official recall instructions.

Studies & Publications

1 publication

Peer-reviewed research associated with this app.

Non-Evaluative Reference

Keep Food Safe

(2021) · FoodSafety.gov

Referenced in academic literature; no direct evaluation of the app

The USDA FoodKeeper application, developed by the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service in collaboration with Cornell University and the Food Marketing Institute, serves as a comprehensive digital resource designed to maximize food quality and reduce household waste. Originally published as a brochure in 1994, the mobile platform now provides consumers with detailed storage and safety advice for more than 650 food and beverage items. By offering specific storage timelines for the pantry, refrigerator, and freezer, the app empowers users to understand how different storage methods affect shelf life and peak freshness. The application features an interactive interface that allows users to search for items by category—ranging from baby food and dairy to meat and produce—or via voice control. To further combat food waste, the app includes a "Add to Calendar" function, which enables users to receive automated notifications when products are nearing the end of their recommended storage dates. Recent updates have expanded the app's utility to include real-time food safety recall announcements from the USDA and the FDA, educational videos on proper food handling, and multi-lingual support in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. By integrating safe handling and cooking guidance into a portable tool, the FoodKeeper supports broader public health initiatives aimed at reducing the risk of foodborne illness and the environmental impact of wasted food.

In the Media

USDA Updates FoodKeeper App to Include New Food Items

USDA updated the FoodKeeper app to include 85 new food items such as chorizo, prosciutto, edamame, fresh salsa, canned tuna, cereal bars, and salad dressings, expanding its comprehensive food safety guidance. The app offers specific storage timelines for refrigerator, freezer, and pantry storage for various products including meat, poultry, produce, seafood, dairy products, and eggs. The update educates consumers about safe handling, preparation, and storage of an even wider range of foods.

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USDA Integrates Recall Information into 'FoodKeeper' Application

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced updates to its FoodKeeper application providing users with automatic notifications when food safety recalls are announced by USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The updated app available on Google Play and iTunes stores enables users to receive recall information immediately. The integration of recall data makes the popular food safety app even more valuable for protecting consumer health.

Food-safetyRead article

USDA app aims to reduce expiration-related food waste

USDA released the FoodKeeper app with Cornell University and the Food Marketing Institute to help reduce food waste by informing consumers how long about 500 different foods and beverages remain fresh. According to Food Marketing Institute's David Fikes, "the FoodKeeper provides yet another resource for consumers seeking to avoid prematurely discarding safe, quality foods." The app includes storage tips, food safety guidance, and proper handling instructions to prevent foodborne illness.

FooddiveRead article

USDA app aims to reduce expiration-related food waste

USDA released FoodKeeper, a food storage app developed to lessen billions of pounds of annual food waste in the U.S. by informing consumers exactly how long about 500 different foods and beverages are considered fresh. The app contains tips for keeping foods fresher longer, preventing foodborne illness, proper storage methods, and safe handling and cooking instructions for meat, poultry, and egg products. The tool aims to reduce premature food disposal through better consumer education.

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USDA's FoodKeeper App to Help Consumers Waste Less Food, Avoid Foodborne Illnesses

The U.S. Department of Agriculture launched FoodKeeper on World Health Day, a food app developed by USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service along with Cornell University and the Food Marketing Institute to reduce food waste. The app provides food storage tips, methods for maximizing freshness and quality, and techniques for extending shelf life of certain items. FoodKeeper helps users with comprehensive food safety advice and features to prevent unnecessary food disposal.

Food-safetyRead article

New USDA 'FoodKeeper' App: Your New Tool for Smart Food Storage

USDA, Cornell University, and the Food Marketing Institute developed the FoodKeeper app to help prevent food spoilage, as every year billions of pounds of good food go to waste in the U.S. because home cooks are uncertain about quality or safety. USDA estimates that 21% of available food in the U.S. goes uneaten, representing a significant waste problem. The new application provides storage guidance and safety information to help users avoid unnecessary food disposal.

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