Expert: Carol Schlitt - 10/1/2007

Question
Hi,
I have a problem with food storage in refrigerators, there must be frozen row meat, milk products, fruits, fish, vegetables, half finished meals...
Is there any rule of storage - what can be in storage together, and what should be put on top, what on bottom

Answer
Hi Dragan,

Here are a some general guidelines to ensure maximum freshness and safety:

1.  Place any cooked foods and leftover dishes above raw meat, poultry or seafood.

2.  Store all raw meat, poultry, fish and seafood products on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. Leave these products in their original packaging and also place inside a plastic bag to prevent any leaking juices dripping on other foods.

3.  Store fruit and vegetables separately. Vegetables should be stored in the warmest part of the refrigerator (bottom drawers), as they require a storage temperature of about 50°F (10°C).

4. Do not store eggs in the egg trays on the inside of the refrigerator door. The temperature here is higher than other parts of the fridge and fluctuates with frequent door opening. Keep eggs in their original carton and place near the top of the fridge.

5.  Store fruit drinks, bottled drinks, products in jars, sauces, condiments and generally products with a longer shelf life on the shelves and in the compartments on the inside of the refrigerator door.

If you have additional questions, please let me know.

Carol