Refreshed FoodKeeper App

By: David Fikes, Vice President, Consumer/Community Affairs and Communication, Food Marketing Institute 

With fresh all the craze in food retail these days, it’s only logical that we refresh our app all about helping shoppers reduce food waste and store foods safely. With this in mind, we’re announcing the updated, improved FoodKeeper app, developed by Cornell University’s Department of Food Science, FMI and USDA.

Since the FoodKeeper launch in April more than 75,000 consumers have downloaded and used the service on their mobile phones or tablets. This refresh takes into account feedback from users. Here’s what’s new:

• Additional products, including jerky, tahini, chicken nuggets, hummus and more.
• Better data, including clear guidance on storage times. For example in version 1.0, a Whole Chicken was good for 1 – 2 days in the refrigerator. In version 2.0, you’ll find that the guidance states 1 – 2 days in the refrigerator from the date of purchase. This added clarification makes it easier for shoppers to determine how long is too long to store food.
• Improved usability: some version 1.0 users reported trouble finding the calendar integration. In this new version, you will see a large button under each storage timeline reading “Add To Calendar.”

Let your customers know about the new and enhanced FoodKeeper app available for Android and Apple devices. For shoppers without a smartphone or tablet, information on the FoodKeeper is available at FoodSafety.gov/FoodKeeper.