Fridge & Freezer

Making sure your refrigerator is storing food at 5°C can considerably reduce the chances of you or your family getting food poisoning and can also reduce food wastage. 

Purchase a thermometer and place it in your refrigerator to monitor how it is performing.  Adjust your fridge setting to lower the temperature if it is not running at or below 5°C. The temperatures in your refrigerator may vary from section to section – get to know your fridge and where the hot and cold spots are. The door and the top shelf are usually the warmest. The crispers for fruit and vegetables will usually be slightly warmer so that the fruit and vegetables don’t freeze.  Place the most risky foods in the colder spots, this includes leftovers, meat, poultry, seafood and dairy products. Avoid overcrowding stored products and ensure good air circulation around each item. 

If you can’t get your fridge to keep food at the right temperature, your seals might need replacing or you may need to get it looked at by refrigeration mechanic.

Be careful of how you store raw meats, poultry and seafood so that their juices don’t drip onto other foods. Cover any cooked or ready-to-eat foods stored in the fridge to reduce the risk of contamination. 

For the freezer, make sure it is keeping food frozen solid and store frozen foods in containers or freezer bags to avoid contamination and to maintain quality.