FSM 061: Inside Your Refrigerator: Specialized Compartments for Food Safety and Food Quality

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Episode Transcription

From Washington State University Extension, this is Susie Craig.

Refrigerators have many design features which enhance food safety and food quality. Among them are specialized storage compartments and bins.

A sealed drawer for raw meat, poultry, and fish is found on most refrigerators. This compartment allows separation of potentially contaminated foods from ready to eat foods such as cheese, lunch meats, and produce. This separation prevents cross contamination, an important principle of food safety. Many refrigerators have sealed compartments for fresh vegetables and fruit which regulate humidity levels maintaining the quality of produce.

While refrigerators do an excellent job of maintaining safe temperatures, temperatures in storage bins on the door will vary due to opening and closing. It’s best to store nonperishable foods such as drinks in the door.

This is Susie Craig from Food Safety in a Minute.