Tips to safely store food in the fridge

Tips for safely storing food in the refrigerator

It is important to store food properly in the fridge. This will help maintain its freshness, and prevent harmful bacteria from growing. You can make sure that your food stays safe and tasty for longer by following a few simple guidelines. This article will give you valuable tips for safely storing food in your fridge.

Why you should store food in the fridge

Food storage in the fridge is an essential practice to maintain freshness, safety, and quality. Why storing food in the fridge is important:

1. Extended Shelf Life

Cold temperatures in the refrigerator help to inhibit the growth and development of bacteria, yeast, and mould that can spoil your food. You can prolong the life of perishables by slowing the process of spoilage. This will reduce the frequency with which you need to shop for groceries and minimise food waste.

2. Maintaining Food Safety

Food that is stored in the refrigerator at the right temperature will remain safe for consumption. Cool temperatures inhibit the growth of bacteria which multiply more readily at room temperature. You can reduce the risk of foodborne illness and symptoms by keeping perishables chilled.

3. Preserving Nutritional Value

You can preserve the nutritional value of fruits, vegetables and other perishables by storing them in the refrigerator. The controlled temperature slows the degradation process and allows you to get the most nutritional value from your food.

4. Retention of taste and quality

The food stored in the refrigerator tends to keep its quality and flavour better than food stored at room temperatures. The cold environment can help maintain the taste, texture and aroma of different ingredients.

5. Preventing Cross-Contamination

Separating fresh fruits and vegetables from prepared foods, such as meat, poultry and seafood, reduces the spread of bacteria that can cause foodborne illness. You can keep specific foods in designated compartments of the fridge, which helps maintain hygiene. It also prevents flavours and smells from transferring between items.

What’s the ideal temperature for a refrigerator?

The best temperature to set your fridge is between 0°C and 4°C. However, there are some guidelines that homeowners should follow. For food safety and maximum energy efficiency, the optimal temperature for a refrigerator is between 0°C to 4°C.

Refer to the manual of your fridge to find out what temperature is best for it. You can check the temperature of your refrigerator with a thermometer periodically to determine whether it is operating at the right temperature.

Maintaining the correct temperature is important not only for food safety but also to maximise energy efficiency. The fridge will run longer to maintain a cold temperature if it is kept too cold, resulting in excessive energy consumption. It's important to monitor the temperature of your fridge. Too much warmth can lead to food spoiling more quickly.

According to the recommended minimum temperature for food safety, the ideal fridge temperature in Australia is between 3-3.5°C. This temperature range prevents the growth of bacteria and reduces the risk of contamination. It also ensures optimal energy use.

For your fridge to maintain the correct temperature and reduce energy consumption, ensure that the seals and the thermostat are set correctly. Don't overload the fridge, or leave it open too long. This will ensure that the fridge temperature stays at the right range.

What to keep in the refrigerator

To keep food as fresh and safe as possible, it is essential to store it correctly in the refrigerator. You can keep your food safe and fresh by knowing which foods to store in the refrigerator and which ones not to. 

Perishable food such as poultry, seafood and meat should generally be kept in the refrigerator. Dairy products must be stored in their original containers. Leftovers should also be sealed and placed in airtight containers. To prevent contamination, poultry and meat should either be kept in separate containers or covered with plastic wrap.

Fruits and vegetables are best stored in the crisper section of most refrigerators. Some fruits and veggies may require that they be stored in plastic bags with perforations to protect them from the cold. Be sure to thoroughly clean all fruits and vegetables before storing.

Condiments such as olives, pickles, mustards and ketchup can be safely stored in the refrigerator or on a shelf. However, dried herbs should be kept in a dark, cool cabinet, not the refrigerator. Also, it is important to store food at the right temperature. The temperature at which most foods should be kept is between 0-4°C, just above freezing. Check the temperature of your refrigerator regularly to ensure that your food is safe.

How to store food in your fridge

There are some rules that you should follow when it comes to safely storing food in the refrigerator. You can ensure food safety by knowing where to put food in the refrigerator. This will also reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. 

It is safest to keep foods that need cold temperatures on the top shelf of your fridge. Here you should store raw meat, seafood or pre-prepared foods. To avoid cross-contamination, keep them in airtight containers.

Store cooked food, leftovers and prepared foods on the lower shelves. Use shallow containers to reduce spoilage or wrap food for faster cooling. To ensure food safety, check the best-before and use-by dates of all perishables. 

Dairy products like cheese, milk and yoghurt are best stored in the middle of your fridge. Dairy products require a certain temperature, but they don't need the very coldest shelf. 

Since it is most likely exposed to opening and shutting the fridge door, the door is the area that is most likely to be the warmest. Store condiments, sauces and jams here. Store juices and drink cartons here. Be sure to check their 'best before' dates before consumption. 

Your refrigerator should be kept at a temperature that is safe, no higher than 4°C. You run the risk of food spoiling or bacteria growing if the temperature in your refrigerator is too high. 

Regular cleaning and following proper storage guidelines can help you create a healthy and safe environment for your food.

How should you store your fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator?

Want to keep your fruits and vegetables safe and fresh for longer? Safely storing fruit and vegetables in your refrigerator is an excellent way to ensure food safety and hygiene. 

Keep vegetables dry and clean in the refrigerator. Moisture can accelerate spoilage. Put root vegetables like potatoes, parsnips and carrots in the vegetable cabinet. The majority of vegetables can be kept in a vegetable drawer. Unwashed vegetables (such as Brussels sprouts, mushrooms and beans) should be stored in a bag or a wrapper. 

Leafy greens, such as lettuce, chard, and body, should also be kept in the refrigerator, but in a different drawer or box. Leafy greens can stay fresh up to a full week when stored properly. Wrapping them in a paper towel will help to prolong their shelf life if they begin to wilt or go bad sooner. 

Keep fruits and vegetables separate. The majority of fruits can be kept on the shelves. However, some, such as tomatoes and citrus, should be placed in the vegetable drawer. 

Avoid overfilling the refrigerator shelves or drawers. Air circulation is essential to keeping food fresh for longer. Check for mould, discoloration, or unsavoury odours on a regular basis to ensure your food is safe to consume.

How to adjust the temperature of our fridge in summer and winter

The outside temperature can have a significant impact on the temperature inside your refrigerator. It's important to adjust your fridge temperature during summer and winter when the ambient temperatures are fluctuating. This will ensure that you have optimal conditions for food storage.

Summer: Cooling down for high temperatures

It is important to maintain your refrigerator's coolness and freshness during summer, as temperatures rise. The temperature of the fridge can be affected by the heat outside, which could compromise food quality and safety.

Reduce the fridge's temperature by one or two degrees to compensate for warmer ambient temperatures. This adjustment will help to offset the heat from the outside, keeping perishables at a cool and safe temperature.

Winter: Adapting to Cold Conditions

You may need to adjust the temperature of your fridge slightly during winter when temperatures are significantly lower. The cold weather can reduce the temperature inside the fridge, which could affect the texture and quality of some food products.

To prevent the fridge from becoming too cold, consider raising the temperature by one or two degrees. This adjustment prevents items such as fruits, vegetables and condiments from icing and helps preserve their quality.

Your local refrigerator specialists

For more information on using your refrigerator and its components, call Sea Air Mechanical Services, your local refrigeration specialists on 0401 787 183. 

We specialise in refrigeration repairs, servicing and maintenance on the Sunshine Coast and across North Brisbane.