1. Thoroughly Clean the Refrigerator Before Preparing Food for Tet
Prior to purchasing food for Tet, it is important to thoroughly clean the refrigerator with warm water and disinfectant. This process ensures the complete elimination of bacteria that may have accumulated over time.
Furthermore, cleaning the refrigerator allows for the removal of old food, making space for Tet food. To keep the refrigerator smelling fresh, consider adding lemon or grapefruit peels.
2. Avoid Excessive Food Purchases Before Tet
The refrigerator helps limit the growth of bacteria and mold due to its low temperature, but it does not completely eliminate them. Therefore, purchasing food excessively early and storing it in the refrigerator for an extended period can create a breeding ground for cold-loving bacteria, compromising the quality of the food.
Additionally, improper arrangement of an excessive amount of food in the refrigerator can hinder the circulation of cold air, resulting in uneven temperature distribution. Higher temperature zones are more susceptible to spoilage. It is advisable to buy only enough food for Tet, arrange it appropriately, and set the refrigerator temperature accordingly.
3. Set the Appropriate Cooling Mode for Refrigerated Food
The refrigerator temperature should be adjusted to suit the types of food stored in order to preserve them for longer periods. For vegetables and roots, it is advisable to keep them in separate containers to prevent overly cold temperatures that can spoil the vegetables. When the refrigerator contains a variety of foods, a lower temperature setting is recommended to maintain the appropriate temperature and inhibit bacterial and mold growth.
4. Properly Arrange Food in the Refrigerator
It is essential to arrange food properly in the refrigerator to prevent cross-contamination between different types of food. Proper arrangement also helps to prolong the shelf life of food without compromising its quality. After purchasing eggs from the market, ensure thorough cleaning to remove most of the bacteria on the eggshells. Place the eggs in a small container in the cooler section of the refrigerator, away from the door where the temperature is higher. When storing raw meat, ensure thorough cleaning before placing it in a plastic container to prevent the spread of bacteria to other food.
5. Minimize Refrigerator Door Opening Time
Avoid keeping the refrigerator door open for extended periods. Prolonged open-door time not only increases electricity consumption but also allows external bacteria to enter the refrigerator more easily. Limit the frequency of opening the refrigerator and avoid leaving it open for extended periods.
6. Separate Fresh and Packaged Food Areas
Allot separate areas in the refrigerator for cooked and uncooked food to prevent cross-contamination from raw to cooked food. When storing fresh food, ensure proper cleaning and packaging before refrigeration.
7. Properly Package Leftovers
When dealing with leftovers, ensure tightly covering them or using food wrap before refrigeration. This proper packaging ensures the preservation of leftovers and prevents odor spread within the refrigerator. However, it is advisable to cook appropriate food portions to minimize leftovers, as excessive leftovers are not beneficial for health.
8. Rinse Raw Vegetables Before Refrigeration
It is crucial never to store dirty raw vegetables directly in the refrigerator. Raw vegetables purchased from the market may contain dirt and harmful bacteria for the intestines. Therefore, ensure cleaning the raw vegetables, remove any spoiled or infested parts, and then place them in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial spread to other food.
9. Additional Tips to Prevent Food Poisoning
Here are some additional important guidelines for proper food preservation in the refrigerator:
+ Avoid storing lukewarm rice in the refrigerator, as this promotes the growth and spread of Bacillus cereus bacteria to other food.
+ Opt for glass bottles instead of paper cartons with straws when storing milk to prevent bacteria from entering the milk through the straw.
+ Do not refrigerate potatoes; simply wrap them in paper and store them outside.
+ Refrain from using plastic bottles to store cold water, as low temperatures can produce harmful substances for humans.
This article has provided some helpful tips to keep your refrigerator clean during Tet. Best of luck!