Fridge faux pas: Critics challenge mum's bread and meat storage methods
- Replies 21
In the quest for a perfectly organized home, the kitchen fridge often becomes the focal point of our domestic tidying efforts.
After all, it's the guardian of our food's freshness and our family's health. But sometimes, we might overlook some fundamental food safety principles.
This was the case for Ella, a Queensland mum who proudly shared her fridge organization online, only to be met with concern over two potentially dangerous oversights.
‘Show me how you organise your fridge. Extra curious to see those that use the plastic deciders. I want to get into them but am lacking inspiration,’ she posted with a picture of her fridge.
Ella's fridge, neatly packed with fruit, vegetables, eggs, chicken, yoghurt, and other grocery items, seemed to be in order.
She had even sought advice on using plastic dividers to enhance her system.
However, critics quickly pointed out two glaring issues: bread storage in the fridge and meat placement above fresh produce.
‘Shouldn't keep bread in the fridge,’ one said.
Some argue that bread should never be refrigerated as it can lead to faster staling.
Others, particularly those living in humid climates like Queensland, counter that bread can quickly become mouldy if left out.
'I take it you don't live in Queensland; it doesn't last on the bench for us,’ one user commented.
‘Humidity and heat causes bread to mould very quickly,’ another echoed.
‘I'm on the central coast of New South Wales, and in summer, our bread has to live in the fridge. Otherwise, it moulds in two days. In colder months, it lives on the bench. Store-bought bread,’ a third added.
The truth is that bread can be refrigerated to prevent mould, but this may affect its texture and taste. What is the ideal solution?
If you must refrigerate bread due to climate, consume it quickly or consider freezing it for longer-term storage.
There is also the serious issue of meat storage. The chef who chimed in on Ella's post offered some advice:
'Can I recommend to you that you store your meat on the bottom shelf instead of the vegetables? I'm a chef, and it can be dangerous if it leaks into your fresh produce,’
Storing raw meat on a higher shelf poses a significant risk of cross-contamination.
Juices from raw meat can drip down and contaminate the fresh produce below, which is often consumed raw.
Interestingly, this isn't the first time an Aussie mum's fridge organization has sparked debate.
Last year, Jeni Bonell, mother of Australia's largest family, revealed she stores peanut butter in the fridge, prompting discussions about the best storage methods for various pantry items.
‘Fridges don't need to be pretty (although it's fun to look at them and aesthetically pleasing, for sure),’ she said.
‘Remember, they just need to be clean and functional. Their purpose is to store food, not to be Insta-perfect. ‘
‘So just give it a regular wipe over, check your temperature dial, store food correctly and keep the door well-sealed.'
Similarly, hygiene expert Mary Futher advised that putting warm food into the fridge is safe and preferable to prevent bacterial growth.
Leaving food out to cool at room temperature for longer than two hours can make eating unsafe. Read more about it here.
Have you ever made similar mistakes in your quest for an organized fridge? Or do you have any fridge organization tips that marry safety and aesthetics? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below.
After all, it's the guardian of our food's freshness and our family's health. But sometimes, we might overlook some fundamental food safety principles.
This was the case for Ella, a Queensland mum who proudly shared her fridge organization online, only to be met with concern over two potentially dangerous oversights.
‘Show me how you organise your fridge. Extra curious to see those that use the plastic deciders. I want to get into them but am lacking inspiration,’ she posted with a picture of her fridge.
Ella's fridge, neatly packed with fruit, vegetables, eggs, chicken, yoghurt, and other grocery items, seemed to be in order.
Critics questioned an Aussie mum for storing bread and meat in the fridge above fresh produce. Credit: Facebook
She had even sought advice on using plastic dividers to enhance her system.
However, critics quickly pointed out two glaring issues: bread storage in the fridge and meat placement above fresh produce.
‘Shouldn't keep bread in the fridge,’ one said.
Some argue that bread should never be refrigerated as it can lead to faster staling.
Others, particularly those living in humid climates like Queensland, counter that bread can quickly become mouldy if left out.
'I take it you don't live in Queensland; it doesn't last on the bench for us,’ one user commented.
‘Humidity and heat causes bread to mould very quickly,’ another echoed.
‘I'm on the central coast of New South Wales, and in summer, our bread has to live in the fridge. Otherwise, it moulds in two days. In colder months, it lives on the bench. Store-bought bread,’ a third added.
The truth is that bread can be refrigerated to prevent mould, but this may affect its texture and taste. What is the ideal solution?
If you must refrigerate bread due to climate, consume it quickly or consider freezing it for longer-term storage.
There is also the serious issue of meat storage. The chef who chimed in on Ella's post offered some advice:
'Can I recommend to you that you store your meat on the bottom shelf instead of the vegetables? I'm a chef, and it can be dangerous if it leaks into your fresh produce,’
Storing raw meat on a higher shelf poses a significant risk of cross-contamination.
Juices from raw meat can drip down and contaminate the fresh produce below, which is often consumed raw.
Interestingly, this isn't the first time an Aussie mum's fridge organization has sparked debate.
Last year, Jeni Bonell, mother of Australia's largest family, revealed she stores peanut butter in the fridge, prompting discussions about the best storage methods for various pantry items.
‘Fridges don't need to be pretty (although it's fun to look at them and aesthetically pleasing, for sure),’ she said.
‘Remember, they just need to be clean and functional. Their purpose is to store food, not to be Insta-perfect. ‘
‘So just give it a regular wipe over, check your temperature dial, store food correctly and keep the door well-sealed.'
Similarly, hygiene expert Mary Futher advised that putting warm food into the fridge is safe and preferable to prevent bacterial growth.
Leaving food out to cool at room temperature for longer than two hours can make eating unsafe. Read more about it here.
Have you ever made similar mistakes in your quest for an organized fridge? Or do you have any fridge organization tips that marry safety and aesthetics? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below.
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