5 foods to avoid storing in the refrigerator door

Proper storage of food in the refrigerator is crucial for maintaining food safety and freshness. While the refrigerator door may seem like a convenient place to store certain items, it is important to note that it's not suitable for all foods due to temperature fluctuations and exposure to warm air. Here, we will discuss five foods that should never be stored in the refrigerator door and offer suggestions on alternative storage locations. SSP prepared.

First and foremost, let's clarify the optimal temperature for your fridge. It is recommended setting the refrigerator to maintain a temperature of 40℉ or below. To ensure accurate temperature control, you can consider purchasing an appliance thermometer if your refrigerator doesn't have a built-in one.

The refrigerator door tends to experience more temperature fluctuations compared to the shelves and drawers. This is because each time the door is opened, warm air enters, posing a risk to the foods stored in that location. Thus, it is important to carefully choose what goes on the door to avoid spoilage.

1. Milk

Milk should not be stored on the refrigerator door. Despite its convenience, the door's warm temperature encourages bacterial growth, increasing the likelihood of spoilage. For optimal storage,it is suggested to keep milk in the back of the refrigerator where temperatures are colder. Alternatively, if you're looking for a longer-term storage solution, freezing milk can be an option.

2. Eggs

Despite special egg shelves sometimes found on refrigerator doors, they are not the ideal spot for eggs. Eggs should be stored on an inside shelf where the temperature remains more consistent. It is also recommended to keep eggs in their original carton as it helps retain moisture and prevents odor or flavor absorption from other foods.

3. Meat and poultry

To ensure safe handling and prevent cross-contamination, raw meat and poultry should not be stored on the refrigerator door. Their packaging often contains juices that can easily drip down and contaminate other foods. These items are best stored on the bottom shelf, where they can be tightly wrapped in plastic or placed in sealed containers to avoid juice leakage.

4. Fruits and vegetables

Although the refrigerator door provides easy access for grabbing fruits and vegetables, it may not be the most suitable place to keep them. It is recommended to utiliz crisper drawers for optimal storage. These drawers allow for humidity control and separate compartments, catering to the specific needs of fruits and vegetables. Fruits require lower humidity, while vegetables prefer higher humidity.

5. Cheese

The refrigerator door is not the ideal location for storing cheese. Instead, there is typically a designated slim drawer (often located in the middle or at the bottom of the fridge) designed specifically for cheese. This drawer provides additional cool air without freezing, maintaining an ideal temperature for cheese storage. It can also be a convenient spot to store deli meats.

By following these guidelines and being mindful of where you store certain foods in your refrigerator, you can ensure better food safety and prolong the freshness of your groceries. Let's make the most of our refrigerators to maintain the quality of our food items!