Overview

As summer temperatures rise, your refrigerator becomes one of the most important tools for keeping food safe. But simply placing food inside the fridge is not enough. India’s food safety regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), recently shared an important reminder about how proper food storage can help prevent contamination and keep food fresh for longer.

Your Refrigerator Needs Extra Care During Summer

In a recent post on X, FSSAI highlighted that the freshness and safety of refrigerated food largely depend on how different food items are stored and separated. The authority stressed that keeping raw meat, poultry, and seafood separate from other foods is a simple habit that can significantly reduce the risk of contamination.

This becomes especially important during summer, when high temperatures create ideal conditions for bacteria to multiply rapidly. Once food is exposed to heat for too long, the risk of spoilage increases sharply. Even if your refrigerator feels cold, poor storage practices can still lead to cross-contamination.

Cross-contamination occurs when bacteria from raw foods spread to ready-to-eat items such as fruits, vegetables, cooked dishes, or leftovers. Since this contamination is often invisible, food may appear fresh and smell normal while still carrying harmful bacteria capable of causing food poisoning, stomach infections, nausea, vomiting, and digestive problems.

Key Food Safety Tips Shared by FSSAI

Simple refrigerator habits can help prevent bacterial growth, food spoilage, and cross-contamination during the summer.

Store raw foods separately

Raw meat, chicken, and seafood can carry harmful bacteria. If their juices drip onto fruits, vegetables, dairy products, or cooked meals, contamination can spread quickly. FSSAI advises keeping raw foods separate both while shopping and during refrigeration.

Maintain the right refrigerator temperature

Your refrigerator temperature should stay below 5°C to slow bacterial growth. Even a slight temperature rise can encourage bacteria to multiply faster.

Handle eggs carefully

Eggs are sensitive to temperature changes. FSSAI recommends storing them inside the refrigerator and avoiding raw or undercooked eggs, particularly during summer. Proper refrigeration helps reduce bacterial risks and keeps eggs fresh for longer.

Foodborne illnesses often increase during the summer season. A small mistake, such as placing raw chicken above leftover curry or leaving eggs unrefrigerated for extended periods, can raise health risks. As FSSAI’s reminder highlights, simple storage habits can go a long way in protecting food safety at home.

Source: NDTV