Storing Food in Your Refrigerator

Storing fresh, perishable foods in your refrigerator helps to extend storage times. The cold temperatures slow down the major causes of food spoilage – namely, the growth of bacteria, moulds and yeasts, and chemical and physical reactions.

Fresh Food Care

The quality of food before it is placed in the refrigerator is critical to successful storage. For best results:

Select foods that are very fresh and of good quality.

Buy only the amount that you will use within the recommended storage time. If you buy extra, plan to freeze it.

Ensure that food is well wrapped or covered before it is stored. This will prevent food from dehydrating, deteriorating in color or losing taste and will help maintain freshness. It will also prevent cross-flavoring. Vegetables and fruit need not be wrapped provided they are stored in the vegetable bins of the refrigerator.

Make sure that strong smelling foods are wrapped or covered and stored away from foods such as butter, milk and cream which can be tainted by strong odors.

Refrigerate fresh, perishable foods as soon as possible after purchase. If left at room temperature for any length of time the rate of deterioration will be accelerated.

Avoid placing food directly in front of air outlets, as it may freeze. Cold air needs to circulate to maintain safe food storage. Do not open the refrigerator door unnecessarily.

Cool hot foods down before placing them in the refrigerator. This should be done quickly. It can be aided by placing the container of food in a bowl of ice and water; renew the ice as necessary. (Note also that hot containers may damage shelves and wall of the refrigerator). Store raw and cooked food in separate containers or packaging to prevent cross contamination. In addition:

Keep the refrigerator clean. Wipe the inside walls and shelves frequently (refer to Cleaning Care) and place only clean containers in the refrigerator.

Keep a close check on the quality of food in your refrigerator. Discard any food that shows signs of spoilage. Pay particular attention to meat, fish and poultry, as these foods are highly perishable. Use food within the recommended storage times.

Dairy Foods and Eggs

Most pre-packed dairy foods have a recommended use by/best before/best by’ date stamped on them. Store them in the refrigerator and use within the recommended time.

Butter can become tainted by strongly flavored foods so it is best stored in a sealed container.

Eggs should be stored in the refrigerator. For best results, especially when baking, remove the eggs from the refrigerator two hours before they are to be used.