Cold Storage Food Tips

Food stored in a refrigerator can be substantially protected from growth of microorganisms and possible chemical changes. Bacteria or viruses do not thrive if refrigerated, below 5°C. Also, food stored at this temperature remains ready for cooking or eating. However, dumping food in the refrigerator will by no means preserve food. You need to ensure that the refrigerator is maintained well, clean with no spills.

For, an unclean refrigerator is a breeding ground for bacteria and can contaminate other foods too. Allow free circulation of air inside the refrigerator to keep food properly chilled. Never load the refrigerator to its optimum capacity. Select suitable containers specifically meant for cold storage to maintain quality as well as prevent drying of foods.

• Make sure refrigerator is clean. Discard old and unwanted food items, bacteria can be passed to fresh food.
  
• After shopping, give preference to perishable items and refrigerate them immediately without delay.
  
• Never mix raw food such as meat/poultry products with ready-to eat items in the refrigerator.
  
• Cooked food should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer within 2 hours of preparation
  
• Store seafood in the refrigerator or freezer
  
• Remove seafood from refrigerator just before cooking
  
• Food with strong odors should be stored in glass or plastic containers
  
• Do not store food with strong odors near milk, cream that are susceptible to tainting
  
• Use quality plastic bags to wrap raw meat. Opt for leak proof plastic bags
  
• Store raw meat, poultry or fish in the meat drawer
  
• Store raw food at 40° F; the freezer, 0° F to slow bacterial growth
  
• Cook these items within 3-5 days
  
• Store eggs in original cartons on a shelf and not in the door.