Ready Crisp Frequently Asked Questions

 

Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I need to cook the bacon before I use it in a recipe?
A. It is not necessary to cook Ready Crisp before using it in a recipe. The product is fully cooked and can be added right from the package.
Q. How do I read the best before stamped on the Ready Crisp Slices box?
A. The best before is stamped on the side flap of the box. The “BB/MA” - stands for Best Before in English and French. The BB is the abbreviation for English and MA is the abbreviation for French. The month, date and year follow. For example BB/MA JN 01 02 would mean the best before is June 01, 2002.
Q. How do I read the best before stamped on the Ready Crisp Pieces bag?
A. The best before is stamped on the back of the package. The format is year, day, month. For example, 02/07/17 would be July 17, 2002.
Q. How long can I keep the product once I have opened the pouch?
A. Once the slices or pieces pouch has been opened, refrigerate and use within 14 days.
Q. What is the shelf life of the products and how should I store it?
A. Maple Leaf Ready Crisp Precooked Bacon Slices have a shelf life unopened of 180 days (6 months) at room temperature. This is possible due to the cooking process which kills bacteria and removes the moisture necessary for bacterial growth, and by vacuum packaging which removes the oxygen necessary for bacterial growth. No additional preservatives or additives are added to extend the shelf life.

Maple Leaf Ready Crisp Precooked Bacon Pieces have a shelf life unopened of 120 days (4 months) at room temperature. This is lower than for the slices due to the gas flushed packaging (oxygen is removed and replaced with nitrogen and carbon dioxide) which helps to prevent the pieces from sticking together but is not as effective in preventing bacterial growth.

Once the packages are opened the product must be refrigerated and used within 14 days or frozen. The refrigerated shelf life is longer than for other processed meats due to the low moisture content of the products, however they are susceptible to spoilage through cross contamination and exposure to air.
Q. How much precooked bacon products is equal to a package of regular uncooked bacon?
A. 1 package of Maple Leaf Ready Crisp Precooked Bacon Slices, 14 slices, is equal to approximately ½ package of Maple Leaf Regular Bacon, or 10 slices. The Maple Leaf Ready Crisp Precooked Bacon Slices are slightly thinner to allow for even cooking.

1 package of Maple Leaf Ready Crisp Precooked Bacon Pieces, is equal to slightly more than ½ package, or about 12 slices, of Maple Leaf Regular Bacon.
Q. How is the bacon cooked during processing?
A. The bacon is cured and smoked like regular bacon, sliced or diced, and then cooked in a microwave oven to the desired degree of doneness.
Q. How would I use the slices and pieces?
A. Maple Leaf's Ready Crisp Precooked Bacon Slices and Pieces are so convenient and easy to use at any time of day. Use in hors d'oeuvres, snacks, breakfast, lunch and dinner recipes calling for bacon.