Yelena Spitsenko, head of the Food Safety Competence Center at the Russian Food Safety Center, has warned that placing hot food in the refrigerator could spoil other products stored inside.
اضافة اعلان
According to Spitsenko, the temperature inside a refrigerator can rise sharply when a hot pot is placed inside.
This is particularly important with older refrigerators equipped with a single compressor. Such refrigerators may be unable to compensate for the accumulated heat, creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth on food stored on the shelves.
“The main danger of placing hot food in the refrigerator is not the hot food itself, but the other foods stored on the shelves,” she said. “Even a rise of a few degrees in temperature can stimulate bacterial growth on milk and cold cuts.
When hot soup is placed in the refrigerator, for example, the milk on the adjacent shelf may spoil before its expiration date.”
According to Spitsenko, hot food also produces steam that condenses on the refrigerator walls and other foods, creating excess moisture.
Condensation provides an ideal environment for mold and bacteria to grow. If water droplets or ice begin forming on the refrigerator walls faster than usual, hot food may be the reason.
“Many people complain about mold in their refrigerators without knowing where it comes from,” she said. “Although there is often a single underlying cause constant temperature fluctuations and moisture resulting from hot dishes. Mold not only spoils food, but its spores can also trigger allergies.”
She noted that to cool food properly, it is preferable to allow it to cool at room temperature rather than placing it directly in the refrigerator. This process usually takes around two hours, after which the food can be refrigerated.
