Does Your Refrigerator Have A Fever?
Refrigeration Tips to Keep Your Food Safe
Although the refrigerator is an essential kitchen appliance,
Americans lack important knowledge on how to keep foods
safe in the fridge. A survey conducted by The American
Dietetic Association (ADA), found that most consumers
don't understand the consequences of storing foods at
an incorrect temperature.
Just four out of 10 consumers recognize that eating food stored in a refrigerator with a
temperature higher than 40°F would increase the likelihood of foodborne illness. According
to experts, cold temperatures (40°F or below) keep harmful bacteria from growing.
Refrigerator temperatures fluctuate, especially from season to season. The best way to
regulate your refrigerator is with a refrigerator thermometer. Set the thermometer in the
center of the middle shelf (not on the door) and keep it inside at all times. Most
importantly, check the temperature regularly to be sure your food is stored safely below
40°F! Adjust the settings on the control dial accordingly.
Spring Cleaning
Springtime is often a motivation to give your home a thorough cleaning. When scrubbing
the kitchen, include a "refrigerator make-over" on your to-do list. Not only will the fridge
be spotless, it will improve the safety and quality of your foods. For the best cleaning
results, always refer to your owner's manual, but here are a few simple tips.
- Scrub down the inside of your refrigerator (including shelves and drawers) using a
clean sponge and warm soapy water. Rinse with clean water, then dry with paper towels or
a clean cloth. Avoid using cleaners that may pass on taste to food or cause damage to surfaces.
- Eliminate odors between cleanings by placing an opened box of baking soda in the back of
the fridge. Change the box every three months at the time of your next make-over.
- Make it a habit to wipe up spills immediately, especially from raw meat juices. Defrosting
meats on the bottom shelf in a covered container reduces the chance of a spill and
cross-contamination.
- Keep the front grill free of dust to allow free airflow to the condenser
for best cooling and efficiency. Also, clean the condenser coils with a brush or
vacuum. And remember to unplug the refrigerator when cleaning the coils.
- Throw out foods that have been "hibernating" in the fridge. As a rule of
thumb, sort through foods at least once a week. Check expiration dates to help
determine when to dispose of foods. But when in doubt, throw it out.
- "Use by" or "best if used by" date is not a safety-related date. It's
the last date recommended for use of the product at optimal quality.
- "Expiration" date means don't consume the product after this date.
Living With Leftovers
Springtime is often a motivation to give your home a thorough cleaning. When scrubbing
the kitchen, include a "refrigerator make-over" on your to-do list. Not only will the fridge
be spotless, it will improve the safety and quality of your foods. For the best cleaning
results, always refer to your owner's manual, but here are a few simple tips.
Perishable leftovers from a meal should not stay out of refrigeration longer than
two hours. In hot weather (80¡F or above), this time is reduced to one hour. Here are general
guidelines for storing leftovers:
| Leftovers |
Keeps Up To |
|
Cooked fresh vegetables |
3-4 days
|
Cooked pasta
|
3-5 days
|
Cooked rice
|
1 week
|
Deli counter meats
|
5 days
|
Meat:
Ham, cooked and sliced
Hot dogs, opened
Lunch meats, prepackaged, opened
Cooked beef, pork, poultry,fish and meat casseroles
Cooked patties and nuggets,gravy and broth
|
3-4 days
1 week
3-5 days
3-4 days
1-2 days
|
Seafood, cooked
|
2 days
|
Soups and stews
|
3-4 days
|
Stuffing
|
1-2 days
|
To receive a free home food safety brochure call 1-800-366-1655 or send a
self-addressed, stamped envelope (business-sized) to the American Dietetic
Association, NCND-Home Food Safety Brochure, 216 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL, 60606.
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