The Best Way to Organize Your Fridge to Prevent Food Poisoning
Have you ever thought about how the placement of your food in the fridge can impact your health? According to one foodie, it’s more important than you may realize. In fact, putting certain foods in the wrong spot could increase your risk of food poisoning.
Posting on Instagram, Bailey, a dietitian, shared her insights on the optimal fridge organization. Let’s take a look at where everything should go to keep your food safe and fresh.
Top Shelf: Drinks, Leftovers, and Non-Cooking Items
Bailey recommends reserving the top shelf for drinks, leftovers, and items that do not require cooking. You can also store certain condiments here if they don’t fit in the fridge door. Large jars and sauces are also suitable for this area.
Middle Shelf: Cold Constant Area for Dairy Products and Eggs
The middle shelf is the coldest area in the fridge, making it perfect for storing dairy products like eggs and cheese. Ready meals can also be kept on this shelf.
Bottom Shelf: Home for Uncooked Meat
Keep uncooked meat, including chicken and fish, on the bottom shelf or in the bottom drawers of your fridge to prevent any drips from contaminating other foods. Bailey emphasizes the importance of avoiding cross-contamination to prevent food poisoning.
Bottom Drawers: Fresh Fruits and Veggies
The bottom drawers in your fridge are designed to control humidity, making them ideal for storing fresh produce. Bailey suggests using these drawers for fruits and vegetables to keep them fresh longer.
Fridge Door: Warmest Spot for Condiments and Drinks
As the warmest part of the fridge, the door is suitable for condiments, drinks, and items that do not need to be kept cold. Jars of mustard, jams, and sauces can also find a home on the door.
How to Clean Your Fridge
1. Empty Your Fridge
Start by removing all the food and drinks from your fridge. Check for expired items and discard them. Keep the food in a cool area to maintain its temperature.
2. Wash Shelving and Drawers
Remove the shelves and drawers and wash them with hot soapy water. Rinse with cold water to remove any soap residue.
3. Clean the Inside of Your Fridge
Turn off your fridge and clean the walls and shelving with hot soapy water. Rinse with cold water to ensure thorough cleaning.
4. Dust the Condenser Coils
Unplug your fridge and clean the condenser coils to improve efficiency. Dust them off and use a small brush to remove stubborn dirt.
5. Clean the Outside
Once the inside is clean, put everything back in the fridge and clean the outside with warm soapy water.
By following these tips, you can organize your fridge effectively and reduce the risk of food-related illnesses. Stay safe and enjoy fresh, delicious food!