It is easy to guarantee the role that certain appliances have in daily life, but just a failure or a simple carelessness to realize their importance. The appliance we will tell you next is one of these cases: it is always connected, silent, seemingly harmless, but it is in it that the safety of the foods we consume every day depends. Its proper operation goes far beyond freshness: it can make a difference between a safe meal and a health risk.
The end line between the cold and the risk
Studies indicate that the average fridge temperature is 5.3 ° C, slightly above the interval considered safe from 0 to 5 ° C, refers to BBC. This small deviation can have great consequences when we talk about food conservation.
In many cases, refrigerators spend more than half the time above the recommended limit. In more extreme situations, they reach temperatures of 15 ° C, which in some regions is equivalent to a hot summer day.
When the heat enters the kitchen
Each time the refrigerator door opens, it enters hot air. And the more time the door is open, the more the internal temperature rises, approaching that of the outer environment. This constant oscillation favors bacteria multiplication and accelerates food deterioration.
One of the reasons for the problem is the absence of reliable and affordable internal measurement systems. Many refrigerators still use a swivel button with poorly clear numbers, which make it difficult to regulate the temperature accurately.
Habits that make a difference
According to the same source, there are minor changes in everyday life that help maintain the temperature of this more stable and safe appliance. One is to reduce the frequency with which the refrigerator door opens. Whenever possible, it is advisable to previously organize what will be withdrawn or saved.
Avoiding leaving the door open while getting their purchases is also essential. The faster the process, the lower the thermal variations will be.
Organization that helps
A practical trick is to use swivel organizers inside the refrigerator. These facilitate access to small bottles and containers, preventing you need to move everything to find what you are looking for, which helps save time and keep the cold inside.
Another important point is the maintenance of door sealing rubbers. These should be clean regularly and verified to ensure that they continue to seal well. Slots, dirt or mold can compromise the performance of the device.
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Know where to keep every thing
Not all foods should be stored in the same place as the refrigerator. More sensitive products, such as milk and meat, should be in the colder areas, usually in the back of the appliance. The door, as the most exposed area of variations, is best suited for less perishable items, such as soft drinks or butter, according to the source mentioned above.
Storing food correctly contributes to maintaining the global temperature more balanced and avoids cross contamination.
Cold does not mean sterile
Even working within the correct temperature, the fridge may contain harmful microorganisms. Contaminated foods before storing can introduce bacteria inside the device.
One of the best known is Listeria monocytogenes, which survives and even multiplies to low temperatures. This makes care essentially how to keep and separate food within the appliance.
Simple rules for greater security
To minimize risks, it is recommended to keep meat and raw fish on the lower shelf, preventing liquids from drafting to other products. Foods ready to eat, such as washed fruits or sandwiches, should be kept far from the raws.
It is also advisable to consume ready food within four hours of leaving the refrigerator. And of course, wash your hands well before, during and after preparing any meal, according to.
Following the conservation and preparation instructions indicated on product packaging is another important step to ensure food safety at home.
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