Nutritionist Warns: 4 Common Foods You Should Never Store in the Fridge to Avoid Toxicity

Clinical nutritionist Jhanvi Sanghvi has some important advice about food storage. Did you know that some common items can actually spoil or become harmful when you put them in the fridge? Let’s dive into six foods you should keep out of the refrigerator.

1. Potatoes
Refrigeration can turn the starch in potatoes into sugar, making them taste sweet and gritty. When cooked at high temperatures, this can lead to the formation of acrylamide, a chemical that may be harmful. Food Standards Scotland recently updated their guidelines, suggesting it’s safe to store potatoes in either a cool, dry place or the fridge.

2. Cooked Rice
Leftover rice can be a breeding ground for bacteria if not cooled quickly before refrigeration. Bacillus cereus can form, and this bacteria produces toxins that can cause food poisoning. Always cool rice within two hours after cooking.

3. Garlic
Garlic doesn’t fare well in the fridge. It can sprout or become rubbery, losing its flavor. You may also find molds developing, which can be harmful.

4. Onions
Like garlic, onions can go bad quickly in cold, moist conditions. They might develop mold or become mushy, making them unsafe to eat.

5. Ginger
Refrigerating ginger can lead to dryness and a fibrous texture, making it less effective in cooking and losing its fresh taste.

6. Bananas
Bananas are best kept at room temperature. Cold can cause them to turn brown and mushy, ruining their natural ripening process.

Storing Leftovers Safely

To safely keep your leftovers, cool them quickly within one to two hours and store them at a temperature between 0°C and 5°C. Here are some quick tips to help:

• Use leftovers within two days.
• Don’t keep cooked rice beyond 24 hours and only reheat once.
• Always reheat food until it’s steaming hot.
• Avoid reheating food more than once.

Understanding how to store these foods correctly can help you avoid spoilage and foodborne illnesses. Being mindful of food storage not only keeps your meals safe but also reduces waste and saves money.

For more in-depth food safety guidelines, you can check the official Food Standards Scotland materials.

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