Q. What is Retort Cooking Technology?
A. Retort cooking technology is similar to traditional canning, which dates back to Napolean's era, when canned foods were first developed. Retort technology, which is approved and regulated by the FDA and USDA, takes the basic principals of canning and combines them with modern innovations including high-pressure steam cooking, special airtight packaging and new heat processing technologies.

These new technologies allow Fantastic Foods to create delicious, 100% safe food that doesn't need to be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Retort Cooking takes various shapes. Fast Naturals are made in a Retort "tray," but you might see Retort packages in other forms, including a pouch, dish, bowl or cup. Europeans and Asians, who are known for their use of advanced cooking technologies, have been using Retort cooking technology for many years.

Q. Do Fast Naturals contain preservatives?
A. No, Fast Naturals are completely free of preservatives of any kind. The high-pressure steam used to cook Fast Naturals essentially sterilizes the product, and the air tight Retort package, protects it from Salmonella, Listeria, E. Coli and all other harmful bacteria without the need for preservatives.

Q. How do you protect Fast Naturals from harmful bacteria?
A. Food borne bacteria, found in EVERY food product, is killed during the high-pressure steam cooking process. The special airtight packaging protects the bacteria-free food from any type of bacterial contamination. Stated plainly, bacteria cannot survive in the Retort package, making them some of the safest foods available today.

Q. Are Fast Naturals dehydrated or irradiated?
A. No. The packaging advances used to make Fast Naturals allows the all-natural ingredients to be mixed, and then cooked (using high-pressure steam cooking) and sealed in the special airtight container. When you buy Fast Naturals, they are already completely cooked - all you need to do is warm them for five minutes.

Q. How do Fast Naturals stay fresh for so long without refrigeration or freezing?
A. Sterilization of the product occurs due to the high temperature in the tray, preserving the nutritional profile, and making it safe for long-term storage.

Q. If I don't eat my entire Fast Naturals' meal in one-sitting, can the un-eaten portion be stored in the refrigerator and enjoyed later?
A. Yes, but please handle like any other "left over." Keep covered and refrigerated for no more than two to three days.

Q. I understand that Retort Cooking Technology is a safe cooking method, but is there some way to know if my Fast Naturals package has been compromised, and is not safe to eat?
A. In extremely rare instances, if a tray appears swollen or puffed full of air, either discard it, or call our customer service number (888) 254-3711, for a replacement. We would like the intact tray returned to us, to examine and determine the cause of contamination. This rule applies to any canned product as well. Never eat food from a swollen can, either.