Is it safe to leave food out of the fridge?

There is no guarantee

If you leave your food out of the fridge overnight, you cannot be sure that it will be in good condition the next day. In summer you have to be especially cautious. Only dry foods like bread or cereals can resist.

Many factors influence

According to the Spanish Food Safety Society, it is not easy to give a general answer as to whether the food will last a whole night out of the refrigerator. It also depends on the food that has been left out, how it was cooked or if it is reheated, when it was cooked … But in summer, don't risk it: always in the fridge.

Be very careful with the heat

The higher the ambient temperature and the more hours the food is exposed, the more likely it is that bacteria will appear that can cause food poisoning.

Don't trust the looks …

Do not do it. Even if the food smells perfect and looks great, don't trust it. There may be enough bacteria to cause food poisoning.

Before putting it away, let it cool down

If the food is hot, it is advisable to let it cool down and then put it in the fridge. If you go to sleep and it is not yet cold, put it in the fridge with ice packs to save energy and not affect the rest of the food.

Pay attention to preserves

When opening a can, it is advisable to transfer the contents that you are not going to consume to a glass container and store it in the refrigerator. Many preserves are lined with materials that release toxic agents, such as bisphenol A.

Dairy to the fridge

There are some dairy products that it is very important that you always keep them in the fridge: yogurts, curds, dairy desserts, fresh cheeses, melted cheese and cream cheese.

Keep the eggs well

They are the food that can bring more headaches in summer. It is very important that you keep them well in the cold to avoid sudden changes in temperature, especially at this time of year.

The fish very cold

Both meat and fish have to be kept cold and in the fridge until ready to cook. In the refrigerator they must be stored in the lower part, as it is the coldest.

The expiration date, final?

If the product is about to expire and we cannot consume it immediately, we can still do something with it. The Consumer and User Organization recommends freezing it. Another possibility is to prepare a dish that can be kept in the fridge for another couple of days.

How many times has it happened to us. And it will continue to happen to us. You go to sleep and leave a plate of food on the kitchen counter , outside the fridge. The next day, is it still safe to consume that product?

Unless it is dry food like bread or cereal, you cannot be 100% sure that the food is in good condition. Each food needs specific storage conditions so as not to spoil and maintain its flavor, texture and nutritional properties.

In addition, in summer, high temperatures become the best ally for bacteria to spoil your food and, incidentally, your holidays. The higher the ambient temperature and the more hours the food is exposed, the more likely it is that bacteria will appear that can cause food poisoning.

Common sense is the key when it comes to dealing with these types of issues and, furthermore, there is no magic bullet to avoid bacteria, but it is important to remember some tricks to preserve food well, especially now in summer. Check out our gallery to avoid taking unnecessary risks.

Why does food go bad outside of the fridge?

Heat and humidity. Food that conserves part of its water is spoiled by the action of its own enzymes or microorganisms (viruses, molds, yeasts and bacteria).

Deterioration processes are favored under certain conditions, especially due to humidity and moderate heat. Other factors to consider are contact with oxygen in the air and exposure to light.

The fridge

Check the grades. The temperature is not the same inside the refrigerator. On the middle shelf it is usually 4º-5º C, in the lower one 2º C, while on the door it can be 10-15º C. Set it according to the manufacturer's instructions to ensure proper refrigeration.

As for the freezer, fill it without fear. The optimum temperature is between –15 and –18 ºC. A full freezer consumes less energy. Put labels on the bags, description of content and consumption limit date (maximum 6 months).

How to Store Food to Last Longer

Grains and pasta: In a dry and dark cupboard, best in glass containers that close hermetically (3 months).
Bread: Store in a bag out of the fridge (2 days) or freeze (6 months).
Vegetables: In general, they are kept in the fridge in perforated plastic bags. If you want to freeze them, scald them before (6-8 months).
Fruit: Do not save the ones with bumps. Pineapple, banana, kiwi, and avocado are best kept out of the fridge.
Fish and seafood: Wrap in parchment paper and put it in a bag (2 days). Frozen lasts 6 months.
Meat: Throw away the porridge tray and keep the meat covered with film (2 days) or freeze it.