FoodExpired fridge foods: Hidden health risks and safety tips

Expired fridge foods: Hidden health risks and safety tips

Storing food products in the refrigerator is a routine task. However, not everyone realises how easily a mistake can be made, leading to health risks.

What risks are associated with keeping certain products in the refrigerator?
What risks are associated with keeping certain products in the refrigerator?
Images source: © Adobe Stock | africa-studio.com (Olga Yastremska and Leonid Yastremskiy)

The refrigerator houses most of our daily food items, yet it's easy to let them spoil. Expired products may seem harmless but can pose significant health threats.

Expired products from the refrigerator - which ones are the most dangerous?

Refrigeration is a basic method for maintaining freshness, but not all products have the same shelf life. Particularly dangerous are expired products such as:

Mayonnaise - This is one of the common products that can lead to health problems after its expiration date. As mayonnaise contains raw eggs, it can harbour bacteria like Salmonella. Once opened, it should be stored in the fridge, with a typical shelf life of about 2 months. If the mayonnaise starts to emit an unpleasant odour or changes consistency, it's best to discard it.

  • Creamy salad dressings - Ranch, Caesar, or blue cheese dressings contain dairy ingredients that spoil quickly. If the dressing has a strange smell, is separating, or has a rancid taste, ensure you remove it from the refrigerator. Creamy dressings can generally be safe for about 1-2 months after opening if stored properly.
  • Pickles and fermented cucumbers - Although fermented products have a long shelf life, they can still spoil, particularly if their brine changes colour or emits an unpleasant smell. Pickles, when stored correctly in a cool fridge, can last for several months, but if their appearance or taste changes, it's better to discard them.
  • Vinegar-based sauces - Products like mustard can last a long time, even up to 2-3 years, but it's best to use them within a year of opening. Changes in colour, taste, and consistency might indicate the sauce is becoming less palatable or starting to spoil.
  • Sweet sauces (ketchup, BBQ sauce) - Due to their high sugar content, which acts as a preservative, these sauces can last up to a year after opening if stored properly. However, if you notice ingredients separating or a change in colour or smell, it's better not to use them.

    • How to extend the shelf life of food products?

    Although expired products can pose a risk, there are ways to extend the freshness of food items in the refrigerator.

    Proper storage in the refrigerator - The key to a longer shelf life for food products is proper storage. Keep only those products in the fridge that require it, storing others in a dry, cool place.

  • Avoiding contact with contaminated utensils - Be mindful of how food products are used. Using dirty utensils can introduce bacteria. To prevent this, use clean spoons and knives, avoiding dipping various items into containers that might introduce bacteria.
  • Freezing products - If unsure whether a product will last until its expiration date, consider freezing it. Many items, such as cold cuts, cheeses, or ready meals, can be stored in the freezer for an extended period, allowing later use without the risk of spoiling.
  • Temperature control - Ensure the fridge temperature does not exceed 4°C (39°F). Higher temperatures increase spoilage rates. Extremely low temperatures are also unadvisable for certain products, especially those sensitive to freezing, like fruits, vegetables, or certain types of cheese.
  • Cleaning packaging and refrigerator walls - Regular cleaning inside the fridge helps maintain products in suitable conditions. Storing items in well-sealed containers protects them from contamination and prevents unpleasant odours spreading from other products. It's also wise to periodically clean the shelves to avoid bacterial growth.
  • Checking expiration dates - Even if there are no visible signs of spoilage, regularly check the expiration dates of fridge products. It's also important to remember that after opening, some products, like mayonnaise, sauces, or dressings, may have a shorter shelf life, so check them more frequently.

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