Proper Food Storage Guidelines for Refrigeration

Kathmandu. People leave food outside for hours after cooking and then put it in the fridge. This habit not only spoils the quality of food but can also increase the risk of food poisoning. It is important to put food in the fridge at the right time to ensure the safety of both food and the fridge.

Put in Fridge Within Two Hours
According to experts, cooked food should not be kept at room temperature for more than two hours. If the weather is very hot and the temperature is above 32 degrees Celsius, food should be put in the fridge within one hour. Food left for a long time creates a favorable environment for bacteria to grow.

Avoid Putting Hot Food in the Fridge
This does not mean that you should immediately put a boiling pot directly into the fridge after taking it off the stove. Very hot food can increase the temperature inside the fridge, affecting other food items stored there. Besides, it can put extra stress on the refrigerator compressor, reducing its efficiency.

Only Put Cold Food in the Fridge
The solution to this is to let hot food cool down at room temperature for some time. Generally, 20 to 30 minutes is sufficient. If the food is in large quantity, divide it into smaller containers. This will cool the food faster and ensure it cools down after refrigeration.

Always Cover Food in the Fridge
Always store food in a clean, covered container. Food kept in an open container can release moisture and odor, which can cause odor inside the fridge. It can also affect other food items. Airtight containers made of glass or food-grade plastic are suitable for this.

Do Not Overcrowd the Fridge
It is not advisable to overcrowd the fridge. There should be some space inside for proper circulation of cold air. If the fridge is too full, not all food items can cool evenly, increasing the risk of spoilage.

Leftover food should generally be consumed within 3 to 4 days. If you need to store it for a longer period, it is better to store it in the freezer. The safest way is to let cooked food cool down slightly and put it in the fridge within two hours. This preserves the freshness of the food, reduces the risk of bacteria, and improves the refrigerator's performance for a long time.

(Disclaimer: This content with advice provides general information only, for more information always consult an expert or your doctor.)