The Ideal Fridge Temperature, According to an Expert: How to Store Food Properly.

Key Tips for Storing Food in Your Refrigerator

According to TSN.ua: Michelle Bozevska, a food safety expert from the Australian Institute of Food Safety, has shared essential advice on how to store food correctly in the refrigerator. She emphasizes that the optimal temperature setting is 4°C (39°F), which helps keep food fresh and prevents spoilage.

According to Bozevska, different items belong in specific zones of the fridge:

“Eggs are best kept on the upper shelves, while raw meat products like chicken, ground meat, fish, lamb, or beef should be stored on the bottom shelf.” — Michelle Bozevska

Milk and dairy products can be placed in the door compartments, but cheeses and other dairy items are better stored on higher shelves. Proper handling of fruits and vegetables is also crucial:

• If your fridge has two separate bins, keep fruits and vegetables apart.
• Avoid storing fruits in plastic bags, as this can accelerate spoilage.

To improve storage conditions, Bozevska recommends lining the fruit and vegetable bins with paper towels or newspaper. Periodically, remove the adjustable shelves and soak them in warm water mixed with dish soap. Also, wipe down any sticky jars to maintain cleanliness inside the fridge. Following these simple steps can significantly enhance how well your food stays fresh.

Why Proper Food Storage Matters

Storing food correctly in the refrigerator is key to preserving its freshness and safety. Using the right temperatures and placing items in the appropriate spots can greatly reduce the risk of foodborne illness and maintain flavor. By following expert advice like Michelle Bozevska’s, consumers can organize their kitchens more efficiently, cut down on food waste, and keep groceries fresh for longer.