Many people believe that food stored in the refrigerator will be safe and hygienic. However, according to experts, the refrigerator is also a favorite hiding place for many foodborne pathogens.
The refrigerator can only slow down the growth of bacteria but cannot kill them. Therefore, it is important to use the refrigerator correctly and regularly clean it to prevent it from becoming a “bacterial hotspot” that causes diseases.
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According to statistics from the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is estimated that 1 in 6 people in the US has had a foodborne illness.
The US National Science Foundation (NSF) has examined some of the dirtiest places in the kitchen and found that the top two are the vegetable and meat compartments in the refrigerator. They found the presence of salmonella bacteria, listeria, yeast, and mold in these areas. According to scientists, listeria monocytogenes bacteria that cause illness can survive at temperatures as low as 1.6 degrees Celsius.
4 dangerous diseases lurking if you use the refrigerator incorrectly
Gastritis
If you eat food stored in the refrigerator right away without heating it, it can cause symptoms such as abdominal cramps or vomiting. This is because our digestive system is suddenly stimulated by the low temperature from the food placed in the chilled or frozen compartment, causing stomach pain and, in the long run, could lead to gastritis.
Headache
A disease that seems unrelated can actually be caused by the familiar refrigerator in the house. If you frequently eat cold foods like ice or ice cream taken directly from the freezer, it can irritate the mucous membranes of the mouth, causing a reflex that leads to constriction of blood vessels in the head. This is also the cause of dizziness, headaches, nausea, etc.
Meningitis
If food is not properly stored in the refrigerator, it can produce a type of bacteria called Listeria – a dangerous bacterium. Listeria monocytogenes can cause diseases such as meningitis, miscarriage, stillbirth, etc.
Symptoms of Listeria infection include fever, muscle aches, and nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. If the bacteria spread to the nervous system, patients may have headaches, stiff neck, dizziness, imbalance, and even seizures.
Pneumonia
When the refrigerator is not regularly cleaned, the air vent and evaporation device of the refrigerator can easily produce mold, which can cling to food and cause children to be poisoned, have coughs, chest pain, chills, fever, chest tightness, and asthma. Experts even refer to this as “refrigerator pneumonia”.
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Refrigerator hygiene and prevention of bacteria
During the use of the refrigerator, you should clean it regularly every week to remove dirt and hidden bacteria inside and outside the refrigerator.
– Clean the outside and surrounding areas of the refrigerator, such as the door and handle, to avoid bacteria build-up.
– Try to choose fresh and good quality food, eat enough and finish the meal, avoid leftovers, especially vegetables that should not be stored in the refrigerator for more than 3 days.
– Do not overload the refrigerator, ensure that the food is stored properly for good ventilation. Limit frequent opening of the refrigerator door to prevent food spoilage.
– Store cooked food in a sealed container or wrap it in food wrap before putting it in the refrigerator to avoid odors and health issues.
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How long should eggs be stored in the fridge and at room temperature?
With proper storage, eggs can be kept in the refrigerator for quite a long time, but their quality may gradually decrease over time, resulting in changes in taste and texture.
