The USDA recommends maintaining a temperature of 4.4 degrees Celsius or lower in your refrigerator. Most compartments in the fridge’s cold storage compartment meet this criterion.
However, the refrigerator door will differ. This part is frequently opened and closed, allowing warm air from the outside environment to enter and affect the food stored here.
Foods That Should Not Be Stored on the Fridge Door
The following are five foods that should not be stored on the fridge door, as many households may unknowingly do so.
1. Milk
It is common for families to store milk on the fridge door for easy access, but this is a significant mistake that can cause the milk to spoil faster. This is because the temperature on the door is unstable and not cold enough, providing an opportunity for bacteria to thrive and potentially cause health issues.
Experts recommend storing milk in a separate compartment to avoid cross-contamination from other foods. Additionally, once opened, milk should not be kept in the fridge for extended periods.
2. Eggs
Regardless of the size of your refrigerator, there is typically an egg tray located on the fridge door. However, this is not the ideal place to store eggs.
Research indicates that eggs stored on the fridge door are more likely to harbor harmful bacteria and spoil due to fluctuating temperatures. Additionally, some studies suggest that extremely low temperatures can destroy essential minerals and enzymes found in eggs.
Therefore, it is best to keep eggs at room temperature and consume them soon after purchase to prevent spoilage.
3. Meat
Meat can quickly spoil if not properly chilled, and since the temperature on the fridge door is unstable and cooler than other food storage trays, meat stored here is more likely to spoil.
To ensure the freshness of your meat, thoroughly wash it, pat it dry, and then securely wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in a plastic bag. Next, store the meat in the cold storage compartment of your fridge if you plan to use it soon, or in the freezer if you want to keep it for a more extended period.
It is advisable to divide the meat into portions before freezing to facilitate convenient usage. Avoid freezing meat multiple times, as this can lead to the proliferation of harmful bacteria, directly impacting your health.
4. Fruits and Vegetables
Similar to meat and other foods, fruits and vegetables stored on the fridge door are prone to spoilage and wilting.
Instead, store your produce in the designated crisper drawers of your refrigerator, where the temperature is more stable, helping to control humidity and keep your fruits and vegetables fresh and crisp for longer.
5. Cheese
Cheese needs to be stored at the right temperature to prevent spoilage. It is best to keep cheese in the designated food storage compartments, as this will help maintain its freshness and prolong its shelf life.
What Should Be Stored on the Fridge Door?
Given the unstable temperature of the fridge door, here are three suggestions for making the most of this area:
Salad Dressing
You can store salad dressing on the fridge door. The maximum storage time after opening is two months. Some oil-based dressings may exhibit oil separation, but a gentle shake before use will remedy this.
Soft Drinks, Beer
If you’re unsure what to put on the fridge door, consider soft drinks, beer, and mineral water. These beverages do not require refrigeration to be consumed, but chilling them can enhance their flavor.
Condiments
Some condiments, such as hoisin sauce and tomato sauce, are best stored in a cool, dry place. You can store them on the fridge door for easy access, and they will last longer than at room temperature.