Your fridge is a crucial part of keeping your food safe and fresh, but even the most well-intentioned homeowner can make mistakes that put their family at risk of foodborne illness. Melissa Kilcoyne, a Business Development Manager from Virtual College, a certified online training course provider specializing in food storage and hygiene, shares five essential fridge storage tips to keep you and your loved ones safe.
1. Set Your Fridge Temperature for Safety
Maintaining the correct fridge temperature is fundamental for food safety and longevity. As Melissa explains, “Always ensure your fridge temperature is set between 3-5°C (37-41°F). To maintain a stable temperature, avoid overcrowding your fridge. Overcrowding hinders proper air circulation, leading to inconsistent temperatures and uneven cooling of food.”
2. Optimize Your Fridge Layout
Organizing your fridge for maximum efficiency is key. Melissa recommends using the top shelf for ready-to-eat foods like cooked meats, sandwich fillings, and leftovers to prevent them from dripping and contaminating other items. Leftovers typically last up to four days on the top shelf.
The middle shelves are ideal for dairy products, eggs, and packaged foods that don’t require cooking, as the temperature here is slightly cooler. The lower shelf, the coolest part of the fridge, should be reserved for raw meats and fish stored in sealed containers to minimize cross-contamination.
“Use the crisper drawers for storing fruit and vegetables,” Melissa advises. “Just remember to keep them separated, as some fruits like peaches, plums, and pears produce gas that can cause vegetables to rot more quickly.”
3. Be Aware of Fridge ‘Warm Spots’
The temperature inside your fridge isn’t uniform. The back wall or side walls can get warmer around the drainage channel due to the heating element for automatic defrosting. Melissa warns, “The side of the fridge often has uneven temperatures. While this is a popular spot for storing eggs, we recommend moving them to the middle shelf, as the rate of spoilage is accelerated if stored in the side compartment.”
“Fridge doors are the warmest part,” she adds, “as they are opened and closed frequently, making them more susceptible to temperature fluctuations. Food with natural preservatives, such as sauces and drinks, should be placed here, as they are less likely to spoil.”
4. Stay on Top of Cleaning
Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining a hygienic fridge environment. “Mould reproduces using spores that it omits into the air,” explains Melissa. “If you have mouldy food in the fridge, these spores will spread through the air and could land on other food items, causing contamination.”
To prevent mould growth, discard expired food weekly and clean up spills immediately to avoid contaminating other food items.
5. Don’t Forget to Clear Out Fridge Staples
Condiments are usually stored at room temperature in a cupboard, but once opened, they should always be stored in the fridge. “Shelves in the door are ideal for this kind of item,” suggests Melissa. “Otherwise, you should store open condiments at the top of the fridge. Clear these out every few months to ensure they aren’t producing mould spores, which become airborne.”
If mould spores are ingested, they can cause nausea, indigestion, cramping, and diarrhea. Some mould can also trigger allergic reactions and respiratory problems. By implementing these five simple steps, homeowners can ensure their fridges are clean, organized, and safe, preventing potential foodborne illnesses and keeping their families healthy.
