Why does food still spoil even when refrigerated?

Many people believe that 'putting it in the fridge is safe' but in reality, food taken out of the fridge also has the potential to cause food poisoning.

Nutritionist Mai Thi Thuy - Nutrition Department, Xuyen A General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City said that food can still be spoiled in the refrigerator because bacteria are not completely destroyed when refrigerated, the cool compartment (0-5°C) only slows or stops the growth of bacteria, while the freezer (-18°C to -12°) can completely stop the growth but bacteria still exist. If stored incorrectly, food will be spoiled and pose a risk to human health.

Mistakes when preserving food in the refrigerator

Not reaching the standard temperature (refrigerator from 0-4.5°C, freezer from -12 to -18°C). Cold air circulation is not even. Refrigerator hygiene is not guaranteed (for example, too much food stuck, not cleaning after pouring food and drinks, etc.). Meat is stored together with vegetables, cooked food with raw food. Food is not covered tightly.

Storing food for too long, beyond the allowed time, will spoil the food, produce many bacteria that affect other foods, even pathogenic bacteria. Some bacteria can still grow, especially if the food has been contaminated before, and even produce toxins that refrigeration cannot destroy.

A full refrigerator, containing too much food will affect the ability to cool and preserve food. When the refrigerator is too full, cold air cannot circulate evenly, leading to the formation of areas that are too warm, causing food to spoil quickly. In addition, the compressor has to work harder, the temperature sensor can be obscured, causing the refrigerator to cool inaccurately. This not only reduces the preservation efficiency but also increases the risk of cross-contamination and food poisoning. Therefore, only use about 70-80% of the refrigerator capacity to ensure safety.

Improper food storage can cause food contamination and spoilage.

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How to arrange and preserve food in the refrigerator

To keep food safe, it is necessary to arrange:

• Raw meat is on the bottom shelf and stored in an airtight container to prevent water loss.
• Cooked and cooked foods should be placed in the middle compartment.
• Dairy products and eggs are stored on the top shelf.
• Vegetables are kept in a separate compartment with suitable humidity.

All food should be covered to avoid cross-contamination and odor absorption. At the same time, control and monitor the temperature of the refrigerator, do not leave the refrigerator open for too long. Clean the refrigerator regularly and do not store food for too long to reduce the risk of spoilage and poisoning.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/vi-sao-thuc-pham-van-hu-du-bao-quan-lanh-185251203215941248.htm