The temperature that matters
The FDA recommends keeping your fridge at 40°F or below and your freezer at 0°F, and suggests an inexpensive appliance thermometer, because the dial does not show the real temperature. The agency also advises refrigerating perishables within 2 hours, or within 1 hour if it is above 90°F outside.
Source: FDA, Are You Storing Food Safely?.
Read also: How to plan for leftovers and stop wasting food and Smart grocery list: how to save without cutting what you love.
A simple shelf-by-shelf plan
- Front and eye level: leftovers and what expires first.
- Bottom shelf: raw meat, poultry and fish, well wrapped, so juices cannot drip onto other food.
- Crisper drawers: fruits and vegetables.
- Door: condiments and drinks, because it is the warmest spot. Skip milk and eggs there.
- Do not overpack: cold air needs to circulate.
Putting away cooked food
Many people leave a pot on the stove for hours, afraid it will "warm up the fridge." The USDA says the opposite: cooling food fast is what keeps it safe. Divide big batches into shallow containers so they chill evenly; hot food can go straight into the fridge. Most leftovers keep 3 to 4 days, so write the date on the lid.
Source: USDA FSIS, Leftovers and Food Safety.
Habits that save money at the store
- Snap a photo of the inside of your fridge before you shop so you do not buy what you already have.
- Use clear containers: what you can see, you remember to eat.
- Once a week, empty one shelf, wipe it and check what is close to expiring.
- First in, first out: when you unpack groceries, move older items to the front.
- Check the door seal. If a dollar bill closed in the door slides out easily, the gasket may be letting cold air escape.
See also how to plan for leftovers.
Sources
- FDA. Are You Storing Food Safely? https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/are-you-storing-food-safely
- USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. Leftovers and Food Safety. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/leftovers-and-food-safety
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should my fridge be?
40°F or below, and the freezer at 0°F, according to the FDA. A fridge thermometer shows the real temperature.
Can I put hot food in the fridge?
Yes. The USDA recommends cooling food quickly, ideally in shallow containers, instead of leaving it out for hours.
Why should milk not go in the door?
The door is the warmest part of the fridge and changes temperature every time it opens.
How long do leftovers last?
Most keep 3 to 4 days in the fridge, according to the USDA.
