Hidden Danger: Hot Food in the Fridge
You might wonder, does it really matter if I put my hot leftovers in the fridge? The answer might surprise you!
The Truth of the Matter
A common myth is that placing hot food directly into the refrigerator is safe. However, putting hot food directly into the refrigerator can raise the internal temperature of your food, potentially altering the temperature of other perishable food in your fridge. Between 40° and 140° Fahrenheit, illness-causing bacteria like E. coli, Staphylococcus, Campylobacter, and Salmonella grow exponentially.
Best Practice
Best practice is to allow any hot foods to cool to room temperature before refrigerating them to prevent temperature fluctuations to ensure food safety and to prevent you from getting sick!
Small Portions are Key
One tip to help food cool more quickly before putting it in the fridge is to divide large amounts of food into small portions. Smaller portions allow for the food to cool down quicker, allowing you to put your food in the fridge faster if you are in a time crunch. An additional tip is to use shallow containers for quicker cooling in the refrigerator. The more air there is in the container, the longer it takes to cool.
Space Properly
An additional tip that aids in the cooling process is to make sure that your fridge’s shelves and the food on them is spaced properly. A shelf that is too crowded can lead to other chilled foods becoming too warm. Clashing temperatures can create condensation. Condensation may settle and cause poor drainage or air circulation.
Contact Us Today
The next time you make a pot of soup or grill a steak, using these tips and tricks can help prevent food borne illness and maintain the longevity of your freezer and refrigerator. If your fridge is in need of an inspection or maintenance, give Sarah’s Appliance Repair a call or fill out our form today to get your refrigerator running smoothly again!
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