Experts caution against $10 ALDI item: 'Waste of money'
- Replies 4
Many people are familiar with the thrill of discovering a new bargain at ALDI, especially when it promises to make our daily routines a little easier.
The latest buzz among ALDI enthusiasts is about a $10 fridge organiser revolutionising how we store our deli meats and cheeses.
But before you rush out to snag this deal, food safety experts offer a word of caution that might make you think twice.
Social media has been abuzz about the fridge organizer, which appeared in a recent ALDI catalogue.
Shoppers shared their positive experiences and clever tips for using the product to its full potential.
'I had one for a few years, and it works very well,' said a social media group member.
'I can see what's in there and how much is left.'
Others have praised the container for its convenience, particularly when preparing school lunches or keeping deli meats from sweating in their packaging.
However, the conversation around this product could be more positive. Dr Vincent Candrawinata, a food scientist and nutrition researcher, has raised concerns about the potential for food poisoning.
While the container may seem like a smart storage solution, Dr Vincent warns that it could be a 'waste of money' and lead to health risks if incorrectly used.
Cross-contamination is a serious issue when storing perishable items like cheese and sliced meats.
‘For cheese, an airtight or cheese-specific container can help keep moisture in and odours out, preventing mould and drying out.’ he said.
‘For sliced meat, a container that reduces air exposure will help maintain texture and flavour.’
‘These containers can be a good storage solution for leftover cheese or sliced meats, but they have many cons and can potentially lead to food poisoning!’
Even with an airtight container, the risk of introducing contaminants with our hands is high.
One shopper noted that 'our hands, even after washing, have small amounts of natural oils and bacteria'.
Dr Vincent echoes this sentiment, advising using gloves or proper utensils to transfer food into the containers.
Moreover, Dr Vincent suggested that these containers are better suited for deli-sliced items rather than pre-packaged goods.
He also emphasises the importance of not layering fresh items on top of old ones and the necessity of labelling containers with use-by dates to avoid confusion and spoilage.
‘Avoid layering fresh items on top of old ones, as this can contaminate the new food,’ Dr Vincent added.
‘Additionally, labelling containers with use-by dates is crucial, as removing products from their original packaging can lead to confusion and potential spoilage.’
Despite the potential drawbacks, many ALDI fans are still keen on the product.
They share additional tips, such as adding paper towels to absorb moisture or wrapping cheeses in baking paper to extend their shelf life.
The debate on how long food will last in these containers continues, but the consensus is that they can be a game-changer for fridge organisation.
Consider the expert advice before adding this $10 fridge organiser to your kitchen arsenal.
Food safety should always be a top priority, and while this container may offer convenience, it's essential to use it wisely to avoid health risks.
Remember, the goal is to keep your food fresh and safe, not just to tidy up your fridge.
Have you succeeded with similar products, or do you have your food storage tips to share? We'd love to hear about your experiences and any advice you have in the comments below.
The latest buzz among ALDI enthusiasts is about a $10 fridge organiser revolutionising how we store our deli meats and cheeses.
But before you rush out to snag this deal, food safety experts offer a word of caution that might make you think twice.
Social media has been abuzz about the fridge organizer, which appeared in a recent ALDI catalogue.
Shoppers shared their positive experiences and clever tips for using the product to its full potential.
'I had one for a few years, and it works very well,' said a social media group member.
Shoppers have been excited by ALDI's new $10 fridge organizer for sliced meats and cheeses. Credit: Shutterstock
'I can see what's in there and how much is left.'
Others have praised the container for its convenience, particularly when preparing school lunches or keeping deli meats from sweating in their packaging.
However, the conversation around this product could be more positive. Dr Vincent Candrawinata, a food scientist and nutrition researcher, has raised concerns about the potential for food poisoning.
While the container may seem like a smart storage solution, Dr Vincent warns that it could be a 'waste of money' and lead to health risks if incorrectly used.
Cross-contamination is a serious issue when storing perishable items like cheese and sliced meats.
‘For cheese, an airtight or cheese-specific container can help keep moisture in and odours out, preventing mould and drying out.’ he said.
‘For sliced meat, a container that reduces air exposure will help maintain texture and flavour.’
‘These containers can be a good storage solution for leftover cheese or sliced meats, but they have many cons and can potentially lead to food poisoning!’
Even with an airtight container, the risk of introducing contaminants with our hands is high.
One shopper noted that 'our hands, even after washing, have small amounts of natural oils and bacteria'.
Dr Vincent echoes this sentiment, advising using gloves or proper utensils to transfer food into the containers.
Moreover, Dr Vincent suggested that these containers are better suited for deli-sliced items rather than pre-packaged goods.
He also emphasises the importance of not layering fresh items on top of old ones and the necessity of labelling containers with use-by dates to avoid confusion and spoilage.
‘Avoid layering fresh items on top of old ones, as this can contaminate the new food,’ Dr Vincent added.
‘Additionally, labelling containers with use-by dates is crucial, as removing products from their original packaging can lead to confusion and potential spoilage.’
Despite the potential drawbacks, many ALDI fans are still keen on the product.
They share additional tips, such as adding paper towels to absorb moisture or wrapping cheeses in baking paper to extend their shelf life.
The debate on how long food will last in these containers continues, but the consensus is that they can be a game-changer for fridge organisation.
Consider the expert advice before adding this $10 fridge organiser to your kitchen arsenal.
Food safety should always be a top priority, and while this container may offer convenience, it's essential to use it wisely to avoid health risks.
Remember, the goal is to keep your food fresh and safe, not just to tidy up your fridge.
Last edited:
.png){kind=icon}
