Common Mistakes in Leftover Food Storage in the Refrigerator

Improper storage of food leftovers in the refrigerator not only leads to spoilage but also poses risks of consumer poisoning and, in severe cases, cancer. This Mytour Supermarket article outlines common mistakes in storing leftover food and provides timely solutions.

Limit the use of plastic wrap for storing leftover food

1. Utilize plastic wrap

After every meal, your family can save a bit of leftover food and store it in the fridge to avoid food wastage. However, during the storage process, common mistakes are often made that directly impact the health of your entire family.

Many homemakers believe that plastic wrap ensures absolute safety for food preservation. However, even though plastic wrap is made of PE plastic, it should not be overused as the risk of contamination into the food can still occur.

Note that plastic wrap should only be used once. Reusing it multiple times promotes bacterial growth and accelerates food spoilage. Also, limit the use of plastic wrap when the food is still too hot or contains a lot of oil and grease.

To minimize risks associated with using plastic wrap, consumers should opt for products from reputable brands and avoid excessive use. Instead, consider using specialized containers with tight lids as alternatives.

Ensure safe storage of leftovers:

- Leftovers should be stored at temperatures below 5°C and reheated to a minimum of 60°C. Storing at temperatures above 5°C and reheating leftovers at temperatures below 60°C create favorable conditions for bacteria to grow and invade the food.

- The cold air in the refrigerator needs space to circulate, allowing food to be stored at the appropriate temperature without spoilage. Therefore, regularly tidy up the food items to prevent the fridge from becoming too full.

Leftovers should be refrigerated within 2 hours after cooking.