There is no debating the fact that the refrigerator is one of the most powerful creations in modern history; The Smithsonian went so far as to declare it the most important invention in the history of food. With all the good things that the refrigerator can do, one of its not-so-good aspects is that it often causes owners to keep food well past its shelf life. If you see any of these items in your refrigerator next time you clean it out, throw them away immediately.
Old Leftovers
According
to the federal government's food safety website, all leftovers which
are older than four days should be thrown away immediately. After
four days, your risk of contracting a food-borne illnesses (such as
food poisoning) skyrockets.
Moldy Fruit
If you
buy a package of fruit – such as a small container of berries or a
bag of clementines – and a piece begins to grow mold, throw the
whole package away. You may have the urge to only dispose of the
pieces of fruit where mold is visible, but mold can penetrate deep
below the surface of fruits. If one piece is moldy, chances are
strong that the entire batch is contaminated.
Open Canned Goods
If you
open a can of food and plan to store the leftovers in the
refrigerator, transfer them to an airtight glass or plastic
container. Leaving exposed food in the tin can cause the metallic
taste to transfer to your food, in addition to causing negative
health effects. If you have any open cans of food currently sitting
in your refrigerator, throw them out now and save yourself the risk.
Diet Soda
Diet
sodas are believed to be a more healthy alternative to their
full-calorie substitutes, but often times that is not the case. In
order to achieve 0 calories while maintaining (some of) its taste,
soda-makers load these drinks up with artificial sweeteners and other
chemicals. Instead, opt for a glass of cold water or a 100% natural
fruit juice.
Food Which Was Warm for
2+ Hours
It is
recommended that you keep your refrigerator between 34-38° F because
40° and above is referred to as the Danger Zone. At temperatures
warmer than 40° F, bacteria growth rate in food can as much as
triple – just imagine how fast it can multiply at room temperature.
If you go to dinner and a movie, those leftovers probably won't be
good by the time you get home, unless they were kept in a cold car.
24/7
Refrigerator Repair is located in New York and provides one-hour
emergency service to Long Island and NYC. Our technicians are fully
licensed and keep their trucks stocked with parts, allowing them to
complete most repairs in the comfort of your home on the day you
call. Our phone lines are always open, so call us any time at
866-782-9376.
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