1.) How Long Food Stays Fresh in Resealable Baggies

Katelyn Witmer

1.) How long food stays fresh in resealable baggies 2.) Is paying for name brand baggies worth the extra cost? 3.) If you pay more for a name brand baggie, then the food will be fresher than food in a generic baggie. 4.) Procedures: a. Buy 4 different brands of baggies (Ziploc, Glad, Hefty, and generic). b. Record the cost per baggie for each of the brands. c. Using 4 different brands of baggies (Ziploc, Glad, Hefty, and generic), the same food item will be placed in each baggie and sealed properly. The date, time, and temperature will then be recorded. The date will be written on the baggie using a permanent marker. d. Step 3 will be repeated at least 7 more times with different food items (some refrigerated, some at room temperature). e. Food will be checked daily for freshness. At the first sign of spoilage, mold growth, or staleness, the end date and time will be recorded for that baggie. (Freshness will be checked visually or by touch for refrigerated foods. The freshness of foods stored at room temperature will be tested by looking for signs of mold and will be felt through the bag for crispness or sogginess for stale signs.) f. If mold growth appears, the food will immediately be disposed in a garbage can outside. g. Once all end dates and times have been recorded for each baggie tested for each food item, data will be organized and analyzed. h. Baggies will be closed at all times and at the first sign of mold, will be disposed of immediately.

5.) Materials: Box of Ziploc brand baggies Box of Glad brand baggies Box of Hefty brand baggies Box of generic baggies Different foods to test Thermometer Permanent marker Data Analysis: 1. Each baggie will be given a score (1-4) based upon how long it kept the food item fresh. A score of 4 will be given to the brand of baggie that kept a particular food item fresh the longest. A score of 1 will be given to the brand that kept the food freshest the shortest amount of time. 2. After a score has been assigned to each brand for each trial, the total score will be added for each brand and the totals will be divided by the number of trials (average number assigned). 3. The average number for each brand will be compared to determine whether buying brand name baggies is worth the extra cost. Ziplock Glad Hefty Generic Food Start End date Rating # End date Rating # End date Rating # End date Rating # item date and time and time and time and time and time Lettuce

Ground beef Lunch meat Grapes

Celery

Crackers

Cereal

Cookies

Total score Average score