8®WWhheenn ppaacckkaaggiinngg llaarrggee vvoolluummeess ooff mmeeaatt,, ffiisshh,,oorr aannyy ffoooodd pprroodduuccttss,, wwee aaddvviissee tthheeffoolllloowwiinngg::n Make sure to properly clean your hands, all utensils andsurfaces to be used for cutting and vacuum packingfoods.n Once you’ve packed perishable foods, refrigerate orfreeze them immediately. Don’t leave them sitting at roomtemperature.n Vacuum packing will increase the shelf life of dry foods.Foods that have high fat content develop rancidity due tooxygen and warm temperature. Vacuum packagingextends the shelf life of foods such as nuts, coconut orcereals. Store in a cool, dark place.n Vacuum packing will not extend the shelf life of fruits andvegetables such as bananas, apples, potatoes and rootvegetables unless they are peeled before vacuum packing.n Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage emitgases when vacuum packed fresh for refrigeration. Toprepare these foods for vacuum packing, blanch andfreeze.TroubleshootingVACUUM SEALER HAS NO POWERn Check that the unit is turned on.n Check to see that the Vacuum Sealer is plugged in. Testelectrical outlet by plugging in another appliance.n Vacuum Sealer will shut off automatically if overheated.Allow to cool down for 15 minutes and try again.n Check power cord and plug for damage. If damaged, donot use the Vacuum Sealer.VACUUM SEALER DOES NOT PULL A COMPLETE VACUUMIN BAGSn To seal properly, open end of bag should be restingentirely inside Vacuum Chamber area.n Check Seal Bar and Gaskets for debris and position. Wipeclean and smooth them back into place.n Vacuum Sealer Bag may have a leak. To test, seal the bagwith some air in it, submerge in water, and apply pressure.Bubbles indicate a leak. Reseal or use another bag.