Refrigeration and Freezing
Want to watch this video? Sign up for the course
or enter your email below to watch one free video.
Unlock This Video Now for FREE
This video is normally available to paying customers.
You may unlock this video for FREE. Enter your email address for instant access AND to receive ongoing updates and special discounts related to this topic.
Guidelines for Storing Food in the Refrigerator
Importance of Refrigeration
Refrigeration helps prevent harmful bacteria from growing on perishable foods:
- Foods that need chilling include milk, meat, ready meals, desserts, items with a 'use by' date, and those labeled 'keep refrigerated'.
Temperature Control and Bacterial Growth
Proper temperature control is crucial to prevent bacterial multiplication:
- Keep fridge temperature below 5°C (ideally 1 to 4°C) using a fridge thermometer.
- Regularly clean both the inside and outside of the fridge.
- Ensure all foods are wrapped or in covered containers before storing.
- Store leftovers in covered containers and consume within 2-3 days.
- Allow hot food to cool before placing it in the fridge.
- Avoid overloading the fridge to maintain proper air circulation.
- Leave space in the fridge for perishable foods to prevent overcrowding.
Safe Storage Practices
Follow these practices to prevent cross-contamination and ensure food safety:
- Store raw meat, poultry, and fish in sealed containers on the bottom shelf to prevent dripping onto other foods.
- Keep ready-to-eat foods like dairy products and cooked meats covered on shelves above raw meats.
- When defrosting, place raw meat/poultry in a covered container on the bottom shelf or use a microwave on the 'defrost' setting to avoid spreading germs.
Freezing and Batch Cooking
Efficient freezing and defrosting practices for batch-cooked foods:
- Cool cooked food quickly (within 1-2 hours) and freeze in serving-sized portions at -18°C or below.
- Date code portions to track storage times; generally, freezer star ratings indicate safe storage durations (* 1 week, ** 1 month, *** 3 months, **** 3 months or longer).
- Thoroughly defrost frozen foods before cooking; defrost in the fridge or using the microwave 'defrost' setting.
Recommended Products For You
Bsi First Aid Kit Premier Small Catering
£13.97 + VAT
HeartSine 350P Internal Package - Special Offer
£875.00 + VAT
Large Premium Burn First Aid Kit
£17.88 + VAT
BSI First Aid Kit Small Catering Refill
£10.83 + VAT