After all, can I put hot food in the fridge? – GOOD SHAPE

You may have heard people talking about not keeping hot food in the fridge and others saying exactly the opposite, that this is the best way to preserve food. But which of these recommendations is correct? Aend, i can i put hot food in the fridge? We spoke to an expert to answer that question.

CAN I PUT HOT FOOD IN THE REFRIGERATOR?

No. According to nutritionist Juliana Gropp, the advice is not to put hot food in the fridge.

“Hot food can increase the temperature of the entire interior of the appliance, impairing the conservation of other stored foods. In addition, if it is hot, it can heat up an already refrigerated food, leading to an unsafe temperature”, warns the specialist.

WHEN SHOULD I STORE FOOD IN THE REFRIGERATOR?

The nutritionist’s advice is to wait for the food to cool down a bit before putting it in the fridge.

“There is a 2-hour safety window, which starts counting from the moment the preparation is ready. This is the period considered safe for food to remain at room temperature. After two hours, there is a risk of the growth of microorganisms that can cause food poisoning”, explains Juliana.

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HOW TO STORE FOOD IN THE REFRIGERATOR

When storing food, the nutritionist’s tip is to use smaller, shallower pots, so that the entire portion reaches a safe temperature as quickly as possible. “If the pot is too big and deep, the center of the food may not have the same temperature as the edges and be in the zone considered dangerous”, she warns.

Remember: if the food is warm, avoid storing it next to an already refrigerated one, so as not to raise its temperature.

HOW LONG CAN FOOD BE IN THE REFRIGERATOR

No storing food in the fridge and ordering delivery until you forget what you had prepared, okay?! It’s important to keep an eye on the validity of food.

According to the nutritionist, if it is an industrialized food, the orientation is to follow the expiry date indicated on the label. If it is food prepared at home, up to 3 or 4 days.