Safety, freshness… Be careful to store your food this summer!

High temperatures promote the reproduction of microorganisms that can spoil food and make it unfit for consumption.

Why is it crucial to store food properly in summer?

• Risk of food poisoning: Eating food contaminated with bacteria can lead to food poisoning, which can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and stomach pain. In some severe cases, food poisoning may require hospitalization.
• Food quality deterioration: Heat accelerates the process of food deterioration, making it soft, slimy, discolored and developing an unpleasant odor.
• Food Waste: Poor food storage leads to increased food waste, which has a negative impact on the environment and our wallets.

Tips for storing food in summer

• Respect the cold chain: Limit the time food is exposed to room temperature, especially after shopping. Transport your food in insulated bags and store it quickly in the refrigerator or freezer.
• Maintain a proper temperature in the refrigerator: The ideal temperature in the refrigerator is between 0°C and 4°C. Check the temperature regularly using a thermometer and adjust if necessary.
• Clean your refrigerator regularly: A clean refrigerator helps limit the proliferation of bacteria. Regularly clean the shelves, drawers and walls of the refrigerator with a disinfectant product.
• Keep each food in its place: Each type of food has its place in the refrigerator. The most perishable foods (meat, fish, dairy products) should be stored in the coldest parts, while fruits and vegetables can be stored in the crispers.
• Cover or wrap food: Food should be covered or wrapped tightly to prevent drying out and contamination by other foods.
• Consume thawed food quickly: Never refreeze food that has been thawed. Consume it quickly after thawing to maintain its quality and safety.
• Pay attention to expiration dates: Respect the expiration dates indicated on food packaging. Never consume food that has passed its expiration date.

By following these simple tips, you can safely store your food and enjoy summer to the fullest without worrying about food poisoning or waste.

Remember that if you have any doubts about the freshness of a food, it is best not to consume it.

Pay special attention to certain foods in summer

• Meat and fish: Store raw meat and fish in the refrigerator in the coldest parts and consume them quickly. Cook ground meat and poultry thoroughly before eating.
• Dairy products: Store dairy products in the refrigerator and consume them before the expiration date indicated on the package.
• Fruits and vegetables: Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating. Fragile fruits and vegetables, such as strawberries and tomatoes, should be stored in the refrigerator.
• Eggs: Store eggs in the refrigerator in their original packaging.

By adopting proper storage practices, you can enjoy fresh, tasty food all summer long, while preserving your health and reducing food waste.