Refrigerator Basics
The safe temperature for your refrigerator to keep food fresh
40°F (4°C)
Most foods should be frozen at this temperature to stay safe long-term.
0°F (-18°C) or lower
Perishable foods should not be left at room temperature for more than this many hours.
2 hours
The safest way to thaw frozen food overnight is in this place.
Putting in the refrigerator
This type of food should generally be stored on the top shelves of the fridge.
ready-to-eat foods or leftovers
Freezer burn happens when this happens to the food.
exposure to air, which causes moisture loss andthe appearance of white or gray patches
Why should we leave some space in the container before freezing?
To prevent spills and cracks
When freezing food, is there a need to leave some space?
Yes
Storing raw meat in this part of the fridge helps prevent contamination
bottom shelf
For faster thawing, frozen food can be placed in this kind of water
cold water
Salmonella or Listeria food poisoning is related to which food products?
Often linked to improperly stored dairy or meat.
Salmonella → raw or undercooked food, poor temperature control
Listeria → refrigerated, ready-to-eat foods stored too long
Which one is better for food storage: glass containers or plastic zip locks?
Both are fine in different situations. For longer use glass are good and for short ones plastic ones/
The plastic must be BPA-free. Avoid microwaving or heating in non-microwave-safe plastic.
Use bags for short-term freezing or portioning, not for long-term storage.
Replace worn or scratched containers.
Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn.
fatty foods are not good to be stored in plastic ones
Many fruits and vegetables last longer if stored in this part of the fridge.
crisper drawer
How much degree is the danger zone for food?
4 to 60 C
True or False: Thawing meat on the counter is safe for less than 2 hours.
False
Why should we be careful with plastic use for storage and freezing?
BPA (Bisphenol A ) can act like hormon in our body. This chemical is mostly used to make hard, clear plastics and resins.
Some studies suggest it may affect brain, heart, or hormonal health, especially in children, pregnant women, and seniors
To keep food fresh, it’s important to do this to leftovers before refrigerating.
cooling them quickly and covering them
Why is it called the danger zone?
Bacteria can grow quickly at this temperature.
Can we refreeze food that we have thawed?
Yes, but it must have been thawed in the fridge.