In the News - February 2008
Life without a refrigerator could be a bacterial paradise
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Can you, or your household, make it without a
refrigerator? Probably not - a refrigerator is convenient and plays an important
role in keeping your foods safe to eat.
"Bacteria grow rapidly in the presence of food, moisture, and favorable
temperatures, increasing in numbers to the point where some types can even cause
illness," says Lisa Gilmore, a University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension
Agent in Garland County. "Bacteria grow most rapidly in the range of
temperatures between 40 degrees and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, the ‘Danger Zone,'
with some doubling in number in as little as 20 minutes."
A refrigerator should be 40 degrees or below throughout the compartments, so
that any place in the refrigerator will be safe and foods protected. An
appliance thermometer, which is specifically designed to provide accuracy, can
be kept in the refrigerator to monitor the temperature.
"Today's refrigerators are meant to handle hot foods," Gilmore says. "Hot
foods can be placed directly in the refrigerator or rapidly chilled in an ice or
cold-water bath before refrigerating."
Be sure to cover foods to retain moisture and prevent them from picking up
odors from other foods, she says.
Types of foods such as raw meat, poultry and seafood should be in a sealed
container or wrapped securely and stored on a bottom shelf to prevent raw juices
from contaminating other foods.
"Eggs should be stored in the carton on a shelf, and not in the plastic bin
manufacturers send with the appliance," Gilmore says. The temperature of the
storage bins on the door fluctuate more than the temperature in the cabinet.
Keep the door closed as much as possible.
Once a week, throw out perishable foods that should no longer be eaten.
Cooked leftovers should be tossed in four days and raw poultry and ground meats
in one to two days, she says.
To keep the refrigerator smelling fresh and help eliminate odors, place an
opened box of baking soda on a shelf. Wipe up spills immediately, and clean
surfaces, inside and outside, thoroughly with hot, soapy water; then rinse.
The front grille should be kept free of dust and lint to permit free air flow
to the condenser.
"The condenser coil should be cleaned several times a year with a brush or
vacuum cleaner to remove dirt, lint, or other accumulations," Gilmore says.
"This will ensure efficiency and top performance."
For more information about refrigerator care or food safety, please contact
your county extension agent or visit www.uaex.edu. The
Cooperative Extension Service is part of the U of A Division of Agriculture.
February 22, 2008
Media Contact: Lamar James
Extension Communications Specialists
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2187 or (501) 753-0207
ljames@uaex.edu
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