The middle shelf of the refrigerator is the zone with a constant temperature ranging from 0°C to 2°C. Here, it is recommended to store ready-made meals, eggs, sausages, and cold cuts, noted the expert. It is important to cover dishes with a lid to prevent cross-contamination and maintain their freshness. Ready-made meals should not be stored next to raw products, as raw food may contain bacteria that can lead to various illnesses if they come into contact with other food, added the chemist.
The bottom shelf of the refrigerator is the area with the lowest temperature, from -2°C to 0°C, which helps keep food fresh and prevents spoilage. According to Panin, this is where raw fish, meat, chicken, and minced meat should be stored. Additionally, large containers of ready-made meals can also be placed on this shelf.
The pull-out drawers of the refrigerator are designed for storing vegetables and fruits, which should ideally be placed in separate drawers to avoid rapid decay and flavor mixing, the scientist explained.
“Before placing products in the bins, wash and dry them thoroughly to prevent the spread of bacteria and maintain the freshness of the items,” said Panov.