At Smith Family Farms, food safety is a top priority. We are committed to providing our customers with high-quality products that are handled, stored, packaged, and delivered according to recognized food safety and sanitation practices.
This policy outlines our standards for product handling, sanitation, storage, transportation, and customer food safety recommendations. While we strive to maintain the highest standards throughout our operations, customers also play an important role in the safe handling, storage, preparation, and cooking of food products after purchase.
All meat products are handled in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations and industry best practices.
Our procedures include:
To help ensure food safety, our facility follows sanitation practices that include:
Employees who are ill or exhibit symptoms that could compromise food safety are prohibited from handling food products until it is safe to return to work.
For customer pickups and deliveries, we strive to maintain appropriate product temperatures throughout the fulfillment process.
Customers should:
Maintain refrigerator temperatures at or below:
40°F (4°C)
Recommended storage times:
| Product | Refrigerator |
|---|---|
| Beef Steaks & Roasts | 3-5 days |
| Pork Chops & Roasts | 3-5 days |
| Lamb Cuts | 3-5 days |
| Ground Beef, Pork, Lamb | 1-2 days |
| Poultry | 1-2 days |
| Fresh Sausage | 1-2 days |
Maintain freezer temperatures at or below:
0°F (-18°C)
For best quality:
| Product | Freezer |
|---|---|
| Beef | Up to 12 months |
| Pork | 4-12 months |
| Lamb | 6-12 months |
| Poultry | Up to 12 months |
| Ground Meat | 3-4 months |
| Sausage | 1-2 months |
Never thaw meat at room temperature.
Safe thawing methods include:
Customers should:
For food safety, always use a calibrated food thermometer and verify the internal temperature of cooked products.
| Product | Minimum Internal Temperature |
| Beef, Veal, Lamb Steaks & Roasts | 145°F (63°C) with 3-minute rest |
| Pork Chops, Pork Roasts | 145°F (63°C) with 3-minute rest |
| Ground Beef | 160°F (71°C) |
| Ground Pork | 160°F (71°C) |
| Ground Lamb | 160°F (71°C) |
| Fresh Sausage | 160°F (71°C) |
| Poultry (Chicken, Turkey, Duck) | 165°F (74°C) |
| Ground Poultry | 165°F (74°C) |
| Stuffed Meats | 165°F (74°C) |
| Leftovers & Reheated Foods | 165°F (74°C) |
For larger cuts, temperature should be measured in the thickest portion of the meat, away from bone or fat.
To reduce bacterial growth:
Keep at:
40°F (4°C) or below
Keep at:
140°F (60°C) or above
The temperature range between 40°F and 140°F is commonly referred to as the "Danger Zone," where harmful bacteria can multiply rapidly.
Perishable foods should not remain in the Danger Zone for more than two hours.
Customers should inspect products immediately upon pickup or delivery.
Do not consume products that:
Contact Smith Family Farms immediately if there are concerns regarding product quality or safety.
Contact Us
Once products are picked up or delivered, customers are responsible for proper handling, storage, cooking, and consumption practices.
Failure to follow safe food handling recommendations may increase the risk of food-borne illness.
This policy is provided for informational purposes and reflects generally accepted food safety recommendations. Food safety guidance may change over time as regulations and best practices evolve. Customers should consult current USDA, FDA, CDC, state health department, or other applicable food safety resources for the most up-to-date recommendations.
If you have questions regarding food safety, product handling, or storage recommendations, please contact:
Smith Family Farms of Louisiana
4970 Barksdale Blvd. Suite #1100
Bossier City, LA 71112
Discover a location near you with delivery or pickup options available right now.
