Don't take refrigeration for granted
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EmailMaintaining the correct temperature inside your fridge is critical. Follow these tips to store and keep refrigerated food safe.
Consumers rely on refrigeration every day to keep food safe, but it is easy to overlook some important practices that can help ensure this.
Food safety experts advise consumers to store food at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below which will prevent the growth of harmful bacteria on food. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 1 in 6 Americans get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die of foodborne diseases each and every year. This makes regularly checking that your refrigerator is working properly of great importance.
Use a refrigerator thermometer
To help ensure that the food is being held at the correct temperature, it is recommended that a refrigerator thermometer is used. Place the thermometer near the front of the refrigerator so that you can easily see the temperature when you open the fridge door.
Store food in deliberate locations
The placement of food will also help to keep food safe. When storing fresh meats and poultry, remember to keep them in a sealed container or wrapped securely to prevent raw juices from contaminating other foods. A container that is 2-inches deep will help to keep juices from getting on other foods. Other foods like fresh fruits and vegetables should be kept away from foods that would contaminate them – such as raw juices from meats and poultry. Perishable foods like eggs should not be stored on the door since the temperature of storage bins on the door can fluctuate more than the temperature in the cabinet. Store eggs in the carton on a shelf in the main cabinet area and keep the door closed as much as possible.
Refrigerate hot food carefully
The United States Department of Agriculture instructs consumers to handle hot foods safely. Hot foods can be placed directly in the refrigerator or chilled in ice or a cold water bath before refrigerating. It is always a best practice to cover food as this will help to retain moisture and prevent items from picking up odors from other foods.
However, remember to ask yourself “How hot is it?” If not cooled and stored correctly, large, hot food items can raise the temperature of the entire refrigerator and put all the food it contains at risk. For example, when refrigerating a large pot of stew or soup it should be divided into smaller portions in shallow containers before being refrigerated. A large cut of meat or whole poultry should be divided into smaller pieces or placed in shallow containers before refrigerating. According to food safety experts, a large pot of soup or stew could take eight hours or longer to cool – a timeframe that risks bacterial growth and raising the temperature of the refrigerator.
Don’t take refrigeration for granted. Following these guidelines will help to keep food safe and protect you and your family and friends from unwanted foodborne illnesses. Contact your local Michigan State University Extension county office to find out more about food safety programs and resources near you.
