Food of all types must be stored at the proper temperature. If foods are not kept cold or hot enough, then they will reach the danger zone, and this is the area in which bacteria will start to grow.
If you keep foods in the refrigerator, then it becomes extremely important that you know how to keep that fridge properly organized and properly running.
Here are some tips for protecting yourself and your family from dangers of contamination.
The Temperature
You need to ensure that your refrigerator is kept that the right temperature. If you have a refrigerator that actually shows the temperature on the thermostat, then you will want to ensure that it is set to four or five degrees. If you do not have a temperature reading, then you will want to consider placing a thermometer in it. It is vital to keep foods at the right temperature. If you notice that foods like dairy products are spoiling before their expiration date, then this should be a warning that your refrigerator is not working properly.
Food Placement
In the refrigerator, it is also important where you place the foods. Here are some tips that will help you with this:
- Uncooked meats should be properly covered and placed on the bottom shelf.
- Ready-to-eat foods should be properly contained and placed on top shelves.
- The refrigerator should not be too crowded or foods could spill.
- Foods should be placed in the refrigerator no more than two hours after cooking.
- Never put raw meats and ready-to-eat foods on the same shelves.
Your refrigerator is designed to keep foods from reaching the temperature danger zone and breeding bacteria. You will want to ensure that you know how to use your refrigerator so that you are not taking any chances with contamination of foods that you keep in it.
