How to Refrigerate Foods Safely
Avoid packing your refrigerator tightly., Use an appliance thermometer to monitor the real temperature inside your refrigerator and your freezer., Put groceries and “doggie bags” away as soon as you get home. , Use a cooler to keep groceries cold...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Avoid packing your refrigerator tightly.
Packing loosely allows the cold air to circulate. -
Step 2: Use an appliance thermometer to monitor the real temperature inside your refrigerator and your freezer.
The refrigerator should be at 40° F (4° C) or below, but above 32° F (0° C).
Your freezer should stay at 0° F (-18° C). ,, Do this if you have a long drive or plan to do more shopping after you hit the grocery store.
The temperature inside your vehicle is usually much warmer than the outside temperature, even in cool weather. ,, This prevents bacteria growth and cross-contamination from leaking meat packages. ,, This ensures that it cools down out of the danger zone quickly enough.
Soups and stews can be placed into smaller containers that will cool quickly in the refrigerator.
Meats can be cut into smaller portions and packaged separately, to cool evenly and quickly in the fridge.
If you do not want to divide the food, you can use an ice bath to quickly cool it down to 40° F (4° C) before refrigerating. , Packaged foods and meat will often have a “use-by” date or instructions, such as “Refrigerate and use within three days after opening.” -
Step 3: Put groceries and “doggie bags” away as soon as you get home.
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Step 4: Use a cooler to keep groceries cold.
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Step 5: Refrigerate your home-cooked foods within two hours of cooking or heating.
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Step 6: Clean up spills inside the fridge right away.
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Step 7: Store all food and beverages in closed containers.
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Step 8: Divide or quick-chill large batches of hot food before refrigerating.
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Step 9: Read the label and follow directions.
Detailed Guide
Packing loosely allows the cold air to circulate.
The refrigerator should be at 40° F (4° C) or below, but above 32° F (0° C).
Your freezer should stay at 0° F (-18° C). ,, Do this if you have a long drive or plan to do more shopping after you hit the grocery store.
The temperature inside your vehicle is usually much warmer than the outside temperature, even in cool weather. ,, This prevents bacteria growth and cross-contamination from leaking meat packages. ,, This ensures that it cools down out of the danger zone quickly enough.
Soups and stews can be placed into smaller containers that will cool quickly in the refrigerator.
Meats can be cut into smaller portions and packaged separately, to cool evenly and quickly in the fridge.
If you do not want to divide the food, you can use an ice bath to quickly cool it down to 40° F (4° C) before refrigerating. , Packaged foods and meat will often have a “use-by” date or instructions, such as “Refrigerate and use within three days after opening.”
About the Author
Sara Wells
Writer and educator with a focus on practical pet care knowledge.
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