Your refrigerator could be a breeding ground for bacteria! Common mistakes made at home

Refrigerators, which we think ensure food safety at home, can actually threaten our health when used incorrectly. Scientists state that common mistakes made in the refrigerator pave the way for bacteria to multiply. Temperature settings, in particular, play a critical role in this regard.

Experts emphasize that the ideal temperature for a refrigerator should be between 0 and 5 degrees. When this limit is exceeded, a suitable environment is created for the growth of dangerous bacteria such as Listeria. These bacteria can survive even at low temperatures.

Not every part of the refrigerator is at the same temperature. The door area, in particular, can be warmer than the back sections. Placing milk and dairy products in the door can therefore lead to food spoiling faster.

Researchers from the University of California found that there are an average of 11.4 million bacteria per square centimeter in a refrigerator. Another study conducted in Italy showed that the most bacteria accumulate in the bottom drawer where fruits and vegetables are stored.

Dietitian Beatriz Robles states that meat purchased from a butcher should be stored in airtight containers, not in paper. She also emphasizes that raw and cooked products should not be kept on the same shelf and that attention should be paid to the "consumption period after opening" indicated on food packaging.

CAN RAPIDLY PRODUCE BACTERIA

Foods consumed without being heated, such as pre-made salads, deli products, smoked fish, and products made from raw milk, can rapidly produce bacteria under improper storage conditions. Pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems should be especially careful in this regard.

Some tips for a healthy refrigerator: Check the temperature regularly and keep it below 5 degrees. Prefer the back shelves instead of the door area. Raw foods should be on the bottom shelf, and cooked foods should be on the top shelves. Leave 25% of the refrigerator empty for air circulation. Regular cleaning and checking expiration dates are essential.

News Source: 12punto