Salah Sun, Head of Product Management at Beko UK, has issued a crucial warning about fridge storage, particularly when it comes to milk. She highlighted the mistake many make by placing milk on the door shelf, which can lead to quicker spoilage due to it being the “warmest” part of the fridge.
Sun pointed out that incorrect placement of items in the fridge “directly impacts food longevity” and could contribute to significant waste, with households potentially wasting around £250 worth of food per person annually, or £1,000 for a family of four. She emphasised that poor fridge organisation affects both food longevity and household budgets.
According to Express, experts recommend creating designated zones within the fridge to extend food life. Sun advises: “Temperature fluctuates within your fridge, so storing items in the right zones is crucial.”
She suggests that the bottom shelf is ideal for raw meats due to its cool temperature, while the middle shelves are best for dairy and prepared foods. Contrary to common practice, the door should not be used for milk as it’s subject to frequent temperature changes from opening, reports the Mirror.
“We recommend keeping more stable items like condiments and drinks in the door compartments, moving milk to the middle shelf where temperatures remain more constant.”
But it’s not just about cutting down on waste when it comes to proper fridge organisation. “When you can see and access everything easily, you’re more likely to cook at home and make healthier choices,” Sun explained.
“Plus, maintaining optimal storage conditions means your fresh produce lasts longer, reducing both waste and shopping frequency.”
Many are guilty of overordering their takeaway, simply to enjoy the same tasty meal the next day – but what’s the best way to store those leftovers? Common practice for many is to let the food cool down for an hour or so before refrigerating it, ready to be reheated later.
This follows a hygiene expert who has challenged the myth that you should wait for leftovers to cool before refrigerating them. Madame Sweat, in a video captioned: “True or False: Is it safe to put warm leftovers in the fridge? Let’s discuss.”
posed the question: “True or false, putting warm food in the refrigerator can actually cause bacteria? ” She continued by debunking a common misconception: “My mother-in-law always said ‘Leave your food out, let it cool down before you put it in the fridge otherwise it will grow bacteria’. Well, guess what? She was wrong.”
Madame Sweat elaborated on food safety practices, advising: “You should put the food warm into the refrigerator. The sooner you get it in there, the better. The only trick is to make sure that it’s in a shallow dish – don’t put a big ginormous dish in the refrigerator because it’ll take longer to cool down.”
She further added, “But it’s perfectly acceptable to put warm food in your refrigerator. In fact, don’t leave food out sitting on your counter. If you’ve left it out for more than two hours, you may as well throw it in the garbage.”
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