It is vital to take care when storing food to make sure it is safe to eat. It is especially important to store meat safely to stop bacteria from growing on it.
Animals can carry bacteria, which can spread rapidly and make the meat unsafe to eat. When meat goes off colour, becomes slimy and has a foul odour, the bacteria has penetrated and spoiled the meat. By keeping the meat cold, you can prevent the growth of bacteria; the best temperature at which to store meat is 34 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Storage
When you purchase meat and bring it home, it is important to store it correctly. Raw meat and poultry should be transferred into a clean sealed container and kept on the bottom shelf of the fridge. It is important that the meat does not touch or drip onto any other food. Follow any storage information on the packaging, and don’t use it after the “use by” date. Any meat that you cook should be cooled as quickly as possible and put in the fridge or freezer if you’re not eating it right away. It is important to keep cooked meats and raw meats separate.
Good housekeeping
Check that the temperature in your fridge is accurate by using a glass kitchen thermometer. Do not open the refrigerator door unnecessarily because this raises the temperature inside the fridge. Keep the fridge clean, and regularly check for spoiled or out-of-date food. If you are thawing out meat in your fridge, make sure it is placed inside a container so that juices cannot contaminate other food. Raw ground meat should only be kept in your fridge for a maximum of 48 hours before either cooking or freezing.
Refrigerator
If you maintain your refrigerator, it should have a lifespan of approximately 15 years. It should be cleaned inside and outside, including the condenser coils, which get congested with dust and pet hair. After this time, you should look to purchase a new refrigerator. For good insulation, solid door refrigeration https://www.fridgefreezerdirect.co.uk/solid-door-refrigeration is a good option, and many are available on the market.
Practising safe handling methods at home can lower the risk of foodborne illness and help keep your family healthy. Always wash your hands after handling any type of meat and keep work surfaces clean.