Storing food properly in the fridge helps maintain its freshness and prevents harmful bacteria from growing. By following a few simple guidelines you can keep your food safe and tasty for longer. Here are our tips for safely storing food in your fridge.
Why you should store food in the fridge
- Extended shelf life — cold temperatures inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast and mould, prolonging the life of perishables and reducing food waste.
- Food safety — food stored at the right temperature stays safe to eat, as cool temperatures slow the bacteria that multiply readily at room temperature.
- Preserved nutrition — the controlled temperature slows degradation, helping you get the most nutritional value from your food.
- Taste and quality — the cold environment helps maintain the taste, texture and aroma of your ingredients.
- Preventing cross-contamination — separating fresh produce from meat, poultry and seafood, and using designated compartments, reduces the spread of bacteria and stops flavours transferring between items.
What’s the ideal temperature for a refrigerator?
For food safety and maximum energy efficiency, the optimal fridge temperature is between 0°C and 4°C. In line with the recommended minimum for food safety, the ideal fridge temperature in Australia is around 3–3.5°C — this prevents the growth of bacteria, reduces the risk of contamination and ensures optimal energy use. Check your fridge’s manual and use a thermometer periodically to confirm it’s running at the right temperature. See our related guide on what temperature your fridge and freezer need to be. Ensure the seals and thermostat are set correctly, don’t overload the fridge, and avoid leaving the door open too long.
What to keep in the refrigerator
Perishable food such as poultry, seafood and meat should generally be kept in the refrigerator. Store dairy products in their original containers, and seal leftovers in airtight containers. To prevent contamination, keep poultry and meat in separate containers or covered with plastic wrap.
Fruits and vegetables are best stored in the crisper section; some may need perforated plastic bags to protect them from the cold. Clean all produce thoroughly before storing. Condiments such as olives, pickles, mustard and ketchup can be stored in the fridge or on a shelf, while dried herbs are best kept in a dark, cool cabinet.
How to store food in your fridge
Knowing where to put food reduces the risk of foodborne illness. Keep foods that need the coldest temperatures — raw meat, seafood or pre-prepared foods — on the top shelf, in airtight containers to avoid cross-contamination. Store cooked food, leftovers and prepared foods on the lower shelves in shallow containers for faster cooling, and check the use-by dates of all perishables.
Dairy products like cheese, milk and yoghurt are best in the middle of the fridge — they need a cool temperature but not the coldest shelf. The door is the warmest area, so it’s the place for condiments, sauces, jams and drink cartons; check their best-before dates before use. Keep your refrigerator no higher than 4°C, and clean it regularly to create a healthy, safe environment for your food.
How to store fruit and vegetables
Keep vegetables dry and clean, as moisture accelerates spoilage. Store root vegetables like potatoes, parsnips and carrots in the vegetable compartment, and keep unwashed vegetables such as mushrooms and beans in a bag or wrapper. Leafy greens like lettuce and chard keep best in a separate drawer — wrapping them in paper towel helps prolong their life. Keep fruit and vegetables separate; most fruit can be kept on the shelves, though tomatoes and citrus are better in the crisper. Avoid overfilling shelves and drawers, as air circulation keeps food fresh for longer, and check regularly for mould, discolouration or off odours.
Adjusting your fridge temperature in summer and winter
The outside temperature can significantly affect the temperature inside your fridge, so it’s worth adjusting as the seasons change to keep food-storage conditions optimal.
Summer: cooling down for high temperatures
As temperatures rise, outside heat can affect the fridge and compromise food quality and safety. Reduce the fridge’s temperature by one or two degrees to offset the warmer ambient conditions and keep perishables cool and safe.
Winter: adapting to cold conditions
In winter, cold weather can lower the temperature inside the fridge, affecting the texture and quality of some foods. To prevent it becoming too cold, consider raising the temperature by one or two degrees — this stops fruit, vegetables and condiments from icing and helps preserve their quality.
For more information on using your refrigerator, call Sea Air Mechanical Services, your local refrigeration specialists, on 0401 787 183. We specialise in refrigeration repairs, servicing and maintenance on the Sunshine Coast and across North Brisbane.
