Keeping food in a fridge will not kill bacteria, but it will slow down the speed at which it multiplies.
Refrigerator temperature
Its advisable to keep your fridge as cold as possible without it freezing food like milk or vegetables.
Tips on storing food in a fridge
- Dry foods should be kept at the top.
- Check refrigerator and freezer temperatures regularly.
- In a commercial workplace you should record the temperature.
- Consider double-wrap raw meats as this helps to stop raw juices dripping from it.
- Check the contents of your fridge every couple of days and dispose of foodstuff that is past its use-by or best before date.
- Clean out the fridge regularly with hot water and disinfectants etc.
- Perishable foods and foods that have to be kept cold should be stored in the coldest part of the fridge.
- Raw food should always be on the lowest shelf of the fridge.
Seasonally changing your refrigerator temperature
You should also adjust the internal dial of the fridge at different times of the year in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Avoid overstocking a fridge
Don’t crowd the refrigerator as this can make it harder to keep the internal temperature down.
Use a thermometer to record a fridges temperature
Check the temperature using a digital thermometer, also remember to clean the thermometer after using it.
Freezing meat
To maintain the highest quality of meat you should keep meat and poultry in its original package, and then wrap the package again with foil or a freezer suitable plastic wrap.
Refrigerator doorsÂ
The doors of fridges should only be opened when necessary, and closed immediately after use. Under no circumstances should they be propped open for convenience.
Related courses
Food hygiene course online