The Ultimate Guide To Storing Gehl's Cheese

Gehl's cheese sauce is a popular product with a variety of uses, from nachos to mac and cheese. With its rich, bold cheddar flavor and creamy consistency, it's no surprise that many are curious about its shelf life. The good news is that this cheese sauce has an impressive unopened shelf life, and even after opening, it can be refrigerated and dated for use within 5 days.

Gehl's cheese sauce has a shelf life of 12 months

Gehl's cheese sauce is a popular product, served more than a million times a day. It is available in different packaging styles, including pouches and bags, to cater to various foodservice customers. The product is designed to be used with dispensers or steam tables, providing convenience and ease of use.

The long shelf life of Gehl's cheese sauce is a significant advantage for foodservice operators, as it ensures the product remains fresh and safe to consume for an extended period. This reduces waste and provides flexibility in inventory management. The aseptic processing and packaging ensure that the product maintains its quality and taste without the need for preservatives.

It is important to note that once the bag of Gehl's cheese sauce is opened, it should be dated and used within five days of heating. Proper handling and storage, as per the manufacturer's instructions, are crucial to maintaining the quality and safety of the product. Gehl's cheese sauce offers a convenient and tasty option for foodservice operators and customers alike, with its long shelf life being a key feature.

The product does not need to be frozen or refrigerated

Gehl's cheese sauce is a convenient, ready-to-serve product that offers a long shelf life without the need for refrigeration. This unique characteristic sets it apart from traditional cheese products that typically require refrigeration to maintain their quality and safety.

The absence of a refrigeration requirement for Gehl's cheese sauce is a significant advantage for consumers and foodservice operators alike. This is made possible by the company's advanced aseptic processing technology, which ensures the product's sterility and stability. By achieving sterility through rapid heating and cooling, Gehl's cheese sauce can be safely stored at room temperature, offering an impressive unopened shelf life of up to 12 to 18 months.

This extended shelf life eliminates the need for constant refrigeration, making Gehl's cheese sauce ideal for a variety of settings, including those with limited or no access to refrigeration facilities. Whether it's a foodservice operator, a busy household, or an outdoor enthusiast, consumers can confidently stock up on Gehl's cheese sauce without worrying about it spoiling.

Additionally, the convenience of room temperature storage streamlines the preparation process. Without the need to thaw or extensively heat the product, users can simply open the bag, follow the recommended serving instructions, and enjoy the cheese sauce at its optimal taste and texture. This feature is especially valuable for foodservice operators, as it simplifies their operational requirements and reduces the time and resources needed to prepare menu items featuring Gehl's cheese sauce.

While Gehl's cheese sauce offers the convenience of room temperature storage, it's important to note that proper storage conditions are still essential to maintain its quality and safety. The product should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Once opened, the cheese sauce should be refrigerated and consumed within a reasonable period to ensure freshness and prevent spoilage.

Gehl's cheese is not kosher

Gehl's cheese sauce is not kosher. While the product is gluten-free and made in America, it does not adhere to kosher dietary laws and cannot be considered kosher.

In 2017, Gehl's cheese sauce was found to be contaminated with botulism toxin, which can cause foodborne botulism, a rare but serious illness that can lead to paralysis and require ventilation for patients. Although there were no plans for a recall, the contaminated bags of cheese sauce were impounded from a gas station in California, and health officials confirmed that the outbreak had affected ten people, with one fatality.

Gehl's cheese sauce has a shelf life of 12 months from the date of manufacture and does not require refrigeration. However, once opened, it should be refrigerated and consumed within five days for food safety. The product is designed to be served at a temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit and can be used for nachos, french fries, mac and cheese, and cheese steaks.

Despite its convenience and versatility, it is important to note that Gehl's cheese sauce is not suitable for those following kosher dietary restrictions.

The cheese sauce was contaminated with botulism toxin in 2017

In 2017, Gehl's cheese sauce was at the centre of a botulism outbreak that affected ten people, including a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old. One victim, 37-year-old Martin Galindo-Larios Jr., died. All nine other victims were hospitalized, with several requiring ventilators due to paralysis caused by the botulism poisoning.

The source of the outbreak was traced to the Valley Oak Food & Fuel gas station in Walnut Grove, California. An inspector from the Sacramento County Health Department impounded four bags of Gehl's cheese sauce from the gas station on May 8, 2017. The California Department of Public Health did not initially name the brand of the cheese sauce, but it was later confirmed to be Gehl's.

Gehl Foods LLC of Germantown, WI, issued a statement claiming that retested samples from the relevant lot of cheese were clear of any contamination. They also sent multiple samples to an independent lab, which confirmed their findings. Gehl's asserted that their facilities remained safe for food production and that all of their food samples continued to test negative for any contaminants. There was no recall of the nacho cheese product.

The investigation into the outbreak was assisted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) reported that they believed there was no ongoing risk to the public, as the contaminated cheese sauce had been removed from sale on May 5. They also provided advice to the public, urging anyone who had consumed the cheese sauce from the Valley Oak Food & Fuel gas station and developed symptoms of botulism poisoning to seek immediate medical attention.

Health officials later determined that the outbreak was caused by the misuse of the cheese dispenser at the gas station. They discovered several violations involving the handling of the cheese sauce, including using the product past its "best by" date and failing to maintain proper records. The CDPH developed new guidance for retailers regarding self-serve cheese dispensers, emphasizing the importance of following instructions for each type of machine and product.

Gehl's cheese sauce is gluten-free

Gehls Cheese Sauce: Gluten-Free Options

When it comes to the shelf life of Gehl's cheese, the duration varies depending on the type of cheese and how it's stored. On average, their cheeses can last between 4-8 weeks if stored properly. Now, let's talk about their cheese sauce specifically from a gluten perspective:

Gehl's offers a range of cheese products, including their popular cheese sauce, which is known for its creamy texture and delicious flavor. One of the concerns for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease is whether this sauce is safe for their diet. The good news is that Gehls cheese sauce is gluten-free! This means that it is a suitable option for those following a gluten-free diet.

The company takes extra care to ensure that their cheese sauce does not come into contact with gluten during the manufacturing process. They have strict procedures in place to prevent cross-contamination, so you can trust that the product is safe for gluten-sensitive individuals. The sauce is made with naturally gluten-free ingredients, including cheese, milk, and various seasonings, so you can enjoy it without worry.

However, it's always important to read the ingredient list and check for any personal allergens. While the sauce itself is gluten-free, it may be served or used in dishes that contain gluten. So, it's essential to be aware of how it's being prepared and served to ensure it remains gluten-free.

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