Is your fridge a breeding ground for bugs? Tips to keep it safe

Is your fridge a hotel for bacteria? Learn how to regulate the temperature and store food properly to keep them away and protect your health....

Table of Contents

1. Is your fridge a friend or foe?
2. The thermometer: your forgotten superhero
3. Invisible enemies: Listeria and its friends

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Is your fridge a friend or foe?

Have you ever wondered if your refrigerator really takes care of your health or if, unintentionally, it puts it at risk? I'm not exaggerating: the fridge can be like that friend who seems trustworthy but actually lets the worst guests into your party. If you don't properly control the temperature or if you store food as if you were playing Tetris, you can create a paradise for bacteria. And believe me, those really know how to have fun, but at the expense of your well-being.

The thermometer: your forgotten superhero

Most people think that just plugging in the fridge is enough, but it’s not that simple. According to several experts, like Oleksii Omelchenko and Judith Evans, many household refrigerators hover around 5.3°C. Did you know that small decimal can make the difference between safety and food poisoning? The safe range is from 0 to 5°C. If you go beyond that, bacteria rub their hands (or whatever they have) and start the party.

And the thermostat? Surprise: many of us have no idea what those numbers mean. From 1 to 7? Is 7 colder? Or is it 1? Mysteries of humanity. Also, sensors usually measure temperature at only one point. Imagine checking just one finger to see if you have a fever. It doesn’t work, right? That’s why experts recommend using several thermometers in different corners of the fridge. If one reads above 5°C, you need to adjust it.

Fun fact: a study showed that 68% of households never adjust their fridge temperature. So if yours has been the same since you bought it, you’re not alone.

It’s not just about temperature. Order matters. If you put raw meat on the top and yogurt on the bottom, you might end up with a bacteria smoothie. Always place meats and fish at the bottom to avoid juices dripping and contaminating everything in their path. Leave ready-to-eat foods on the top. And no, it’s not just about order, it’s about health.

And here’s an uncomfortable truth: there are foods that should never go in the fridge. Tomatoes, honey, potatoes, nuts... Better in a cool, dry place. This frees up space and helps cold air circulate better.

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