To us, it is a fridge. To some harmful germs, it is a living hell – so stop them growing by keeping them cold.
And make sure you put the right foods in the fridge – look out for a 'use by' date or 'keep refrigerated' on the label.
Using Your Fridge Properly
Your fridge is a superb weapon in the battle against germs, but it must be used effectively. Here are a few useful things to remember:
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keep it at the right temperature (about 5°C)
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keep the fridge door closed as much as possible
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wait for food to cool down before you put it in the fridge
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if your fridge is full, it might need your help - turn the temperature down to help it fight germs
Despite all that, some germs can grow at cold temperatures – even in the fridge. To help keep your food safe, eat leftovers within two days.
To find out more, go to the What's in My Fridge video diaries on YouTube using the link from this page.
Eating Outside
Keep food out of the fridge for the shortest time possible. And when you are eating outside at a barbecue or picnic, use a cool bag or cool box.
If you are putting out food for a party, try not to leave it out for more than two hours. Otherwise germs might have a party of their own.
Outside the fridge, just 10 invisible germs can multiply to 1000 in 6 hours. Keep your family's food in a cool bag or cool box when you are eating outside.
The Food Standards Agency's GermWatch campaign, with its star character Grubeye, highlights the importance of food safety and hygiene in the home and promotes the 4 Cs.
