Refrigerator Cleanliness Checklist

Check the "use-by" dates on all food in your refrigerator on a daily basis. The "use-by" date is applied to food that deteriorates quickly and so anything consumed past this date could be potentially harmful. Discard any foodstuffs in your fridge that have passed their "use-by" date.

Check the labels of any opened jars of foodstuffs such as pickles, chutney and jelly. Most labels will have printed advice on how long they can safely be stored once open. Discard any that you know to have been open longer than the advisory period.

Store raw and cooked meat and fish separately in the refrigerator to prevent possible cross-contamination. Raw meat and fish should be stored at the bottom of your refrigerator to avoid the possibility of their fluids leaking out onto other prepared foods. Cooked meats should be stored at the top of your refrigerator. All products should be carefully wrapped or stored in sealed containers.

Refrigerate cooked food as quickly as possible after cooling to minimize the growth of potentially harmful bacteria. Placing warm food in your refrigerator can raise its temperature to a point that better supports the growth of bacteria.

Clean your refrigerator regularly using warm water, a clean cloth and bicarbonate of soda, or a mild solution of household bleach or other anti-bacterial product. Empty all contents from the refrigerator, wipe down all shelves and fittings, and wipe the walls, door and seals thoroughly to remove bacteria and any traces of the mold that can sometimes affect refrigerators.