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STORING FOOD IN YOUR REFRIGERATOR COMPARTMENT
AND VARIABLE-TEMPERATURE DRAWER
Storing fresh, perishable foods in your refrigerator helps to extend storage times. The
cold temperatures slow down the major causes of food spoilage — possible growth of
bacteria, moulds and yeasts, and microbial chemical and physical reactions.
Fresh food care
The quality of food before it is placed in the refrigerator is critical to successful storage.
For best results:
●
Select foods that are very fresh and of good quality.
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Buy only the amount that you will use within the recommended storage time. If you buy
extra, plan to freeze it.
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Ensure that food is well wrapped or covered before it is stored. This will prevent food
from dehydrating, deteriorating in colour or losing taste and will help maintain freshness.
It will also prevent odour transfers. Vegetables and fruit do not need to be wrapped
provided they are stored in the vegetable bins of the refrigerator.
●
Make sure that strong smelling foods are wrapped or covered and stored away from
foods such as butter, milk and cream which can be tainted by strong odours.
●
Refrigerate fresh, perishable foods as soon as possible after purchase. If left at room
temperature for any length of time the rate of deterioration will be accelerated.
●
Avoid placing food directly in front of air outlets, as it may freeze. Cold air needs to
circulate to maintain safe food storage. Do not open the refrigerator door unnecessarily.
●
Cool hot foods down before placing them in the refrigerator. This should be done
quickly. It can be aided by placing the container of food in a bowl of ice and water;
renew the ice as necessary. (Note: hot containers may damage shelves and walls of the
refrigerator).
●
Store raw and cooked foods in separate containers or packaging to prevent cross
contamination.
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Storing at temperatures other than settings recommended may impact the storage life.
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For common foodstuffs, factory default setting (mid-mid) provides the optimum setting
for foodcare.
In addition:
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Keep the refrigerator clean. Wipe the inside walls and shelves frequently (refer to
‘Cleaning care’ on page 37) and place only clean containers in the refrigerator.
●
Keep a close check on the quality of food in your refrigerator. Discard any food that
shows signs of spoilage. Pay particular attention to meat, fish and poultry, as these
foods are highly perishable. Use food within the recommended storage times.
