Buzz
The refrigerator is where families store their food, ensuring its freshness. However, without proper usage, users unknowingly transform the fridge into a breeding ground, compromising the quality of food and posing health risks.
Prof. Dr. Nguyen Duy Thinh emphasizes that “Storing food in the refrigerator merely inhibits the growth of bacteria, slowing down their development rather than eliminating them entirely”. However, seemingly harmless habits of homemakers storing food in the fridge not only deplete the nutritional value but also foster the growth of numerous bacteria within the refrigerator itself.
Here are some habits that turn your fridge into a bacterial haven.
1. Improperly Storing or Freezing Food
According to the advice of PGS Thịnh, food should not be refrozen after being taken out of the freezer. When thawing, bacteria that were temporarily inhibited will rapidly grow and multiply. Refreezing will allow bacteria to continue increasing, potentially causing acute poisoning and other illnesses for the body.
In addition, Dr. Dzoãn Thị Tường Vi (Clinical Nutrition Institute) also emphasizes the principle of safe food preservation. After slaughtering poultry or livestock, freezing should be done as soon as possible. Prolonged exposure to the environment provides favorable conditions for bacterial growth.
Note that food should not be kept in the refrigerator for too long, as nutrients may deteriorate. Families should only purchase a one-week supply of food for optimal storage in the refrigerator.
For fresh greens, the preservation time should only be 3-4 days. Keeping greens in the fridge for an extended period will result in the loss of vitamins and minerals, reducing nutritional value.
Use a cloth bag to store food in the freezer compartment.
According to Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Duy Thinh, in Vietnam, common nylon bags are made from recycled plastics. Therefore, they do not guarantee hygiene safety when storing fresh food, posing risks of lead and cadmium contamination. Using nylon bags to wrap and package food, in general, will lead to the possibility of contaminating toxic substances in food, causing health hazards when absorbed into the body.
A common mistake made by housewives is reusing nylon bags to store food bought at the market. This process allows more bacteria to cling to the food. Also, it is advisable to store food in bags sufficient for each meal, avoiding the practice of thawing and refreezing large blocks of food. Even if the food is refrozen, toxins may have already seeped into it, posing a risk of poisoning when cooked.
Avoid neglecting food hygiene
According to Dr. Joan Thi Tuong Vi, a nutritionist at the Clinical Nutrition Institute, the process of slaughtering livestock, transporting, and reaching consumers can lead to bacterial contamination. Failing to clean the food before storing it in the refrigerator can result in the spread of bacteria to other foods and the fridge surfaces.
Never mix different foods together
This is advice from Dr. Le Thi Hai, former Director of the Nutrition Counseling and Examination Center, National Institute of Nutrition, who provides guidelines on food safety.
- Organizing food: It is crucial to arrange food properly in the refrigerator. Fish and raw meat must be stored in the freezer compartment. In the cool compartment, place fully cooked food. However, before storing them, remember to reheat, let them cool, and then place them in the fridge.
- Secure food storage: It is essential that stored food items are tightly sealed and well-wrapped.
- Avoid mixing raw and cooked food as it may cause cross-contamination.
- When taking food from the cool compartment, make sure to reheat it before consumption and avoid eating it directly.
7. Neglecting fridge hygiene
Overloading the fridge with too much food restricts the flow of cold air, impeding the food preservation process.
It's essential to maintain and clean the fridge at least once a week.
