Don’t Store Inappropriate Foods in the Fridge
The fridge is a closed environment with low temperatures, making it unsuitable for storing foods prone to bacterial contamination or those that prefer room-temperature storage.
Here’s a list of foods you should avoid putting in the fridge:
Broken eggs: Eggshells may harbor Salmonella bacteria. If the shell is broken, these bacteria can enter the egg, so it’s best to consume it as soon as possible. Storing broken eggs in the fridge can lead to cross-contamination, posing a health risk.
Leftover stir-fried vegetables: While stir-fried vegetables are healthy, they can turn into “poison” when stored in the fridge. A test by the Zhejiang Province Quality Inspection and Testing Academy of Food and Technology showed that cooked vegetables stored in the fridge had significantly higher levels of nitrite.
Bananas: Bananas should not be refrigerated as they can turn black, rot, deteriorate, emit odors, and lose their nutritional value.
Seafood: Seafood is delicious and nutritious, but leaving it in the fridge overnight can lead to bacterial growth, protein deterioration, and potential harm to your liver and kidneys.
Dry onions and garlic: Both dry onions and garlic should be avoided in the fridge as they may sprout, lose their flavor, or spoil. Instead, store them in a cool, dry place to prevent sprouting.
Bread: Bread stored in the fridge will dry out, become hard, and even spoil very quickly due to the cold temperature.
Tomatoes: Chilling tomatoes can damage their inner membranes, altering their original flavor and texture.
Avocados: The low temperature of the fridge will slow down the ripening process, causing avocados to harden and lose their sweet, buttery taste.
Leaving Leftovers Uncovered Before Refrigerating
Many families place leftover food directly in the fridge without covering it. However, the cool compartment of the fridge is not a sterile environment, and various bacteria can thrive there. Leaving food uncovered allows bacteria to enter and alter your food, making it unsafe for consumption. Additionally, uncovered food can cause unpleasant odors in your fridge.
Not Cleaning the Fridge Regularly
Over time, the ingredients and food items in your fridge can produce a significant amount of bacteria, leading to unpleasant odors and potential health risks that are invisible to the naked eye. According to Dr. Li Jun from the Department of Gastroenterology at Shanghai Changhai Hospital, families should clean their fridges once a month, paying particular attention to the rubber gaskets to ensure thorough cleanliness.
Waiting for Food to Cool Down Before Refrigerating
Many people wait for their food to cool completely before placing it in the fridge to avoid damaging the appliance. However, this is a mistake.
After being removed from the heat, food gradually cools from 100°C. When the temperature drops to 60°C, bacteria start to grow. At 30-40°C, bacterial growth accelerates. If not stored promptly, food can easily spoil and become a haven for harmful bacteria.
While some worry that placing hot food in the fridge will strain the appliance, the risk of bacterial contamination in the food far outweighs this concern.
The correct approach is to wait for the food to reach a temperature of 70-80°C, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. This prevents bacterial invasion and keeps the food from spoiling.
Using Plastic Bags for Food Storage
Plastic bags can contain toxins harmful to the body, especially colorants, which increase the risk of cancer. Additionally, plastic bags harbor bacteria, which can be detrimental to health when used for food storage.
To safely store food, opt for specialized food storage bags or high-quality plastic or glass containers.
Storing Defrosted Food
Many people refreeze defrosted food that they didn’t end up using. However, by this point, bacteria have already proliferated in the food, and continuing this practice can lead to various health issues and a decline in overall health.
It’s best to portion food into amounts you’re likely to consume. If necessary, store it in a separate area of the fridge in a container or bag and consume it as soon as possible.
Not Cleaning Food Before Storing
When we buy food, it’s common to place it directly in the fridge without cleaning it first. However, according to nutrition experts, various foods can harbor bacteria. For example, green vegetables can carry E. coli, which is extremely dangerous and can cause urinary tract infections, severe diarrhea, and blood infections.
Therefore, before storing food in the fridge, it’s essential to perform simple preparation steps such as rinsing the food to remove dirt and storing it in designated food storage bags or containers.
Keeping the Fridge Door Open for Too Long
While it may seem harmless, keeping the fridge door open for extended periods can cause the cold air to escape, allowing bacteria to infiltrate your food more easily.
To prevent this, be quick when retrieving items from the fridge, and know what you need before opening the door.
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