Mistakes in Food Storage

Food kept in the refrigerator can still be contaminated with bacteria and cause food poisoning if consumed. Bacteria can grow even at low temperatures. A typical example is Listeria, a bacterium that can grow at temperatures between -1°C and 4°C in meat and fish products. Poisoning caused by this bacterium can lead to blood infections and meningitis. Food stored in the refrigerator is also at risk of cross-contamination due to improper cleaning.

“Storing food in the fridge only slows down the growth of bacteria. It doesn’t kill them,” said Associate Professor Thinh.

According to Associate Professor Thinh, once food is taken out of the freezer, it should not be refrozen. When thawed, bacteria that were previously inhibited are released and can multiply rapidly. If refrozen, the bacterial count can continue to increase, potentially causing acute poisoning and other health issues.

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Not Covering Leftover Food

When storing leftover food in the refrigerator without properly covering it, not only will it lose its flavor, but it can also spoil more easily and pose a risk to your health. Uncovered food becomes a breeding ground for bacteria that can lead to digestive diseases.

Therefore, always remember to tightly cover food before placing it in the fridge. Ideally, use sealed plastic containers. You can also use plastic wrap to prevent air in the fridge from coming into direct contact with the food, helping to preserve its quality.

Note that you should only use containers that have been safety-certified for freezing, as not all containers—especially single-use plastics—are safe for refrigerator or freezer storage.

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Not Washing Fresh Meat Before Freezing

Many people, upon bringing meat home, simply toss it into the freezer without washing, thinking that washing will dilute the flavor. However, this is a completely wrong habit. Doing so can diminish the nutritional value and taste of the meat. Therefore, it's essential to freeze meat properly.

First, rinse the meat thoroughly after purchase, then let it drain or pat it dry before placing it into freezer-safe storage bags. This method minimizes the chance of bacterial growth—something many people tend to overlook.

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What Should You Do?

To prevent bacteria from accumulating in your refrigerator, it's recommended to clean both the fridge and freezer compartments once a week. Before freezing food, divide it into smaller portions just enough for one family meal to maintain health safety.

Master’s degree holder and physician Dr. Dzoan Thi Tuong Vi (Clinical Nutrition Institute) also stated that during the process of slaughtering, transporting, and selling meat to consumers, food can easily be contaminated with bacteria. Therefore, experts recommend cleaning food thoroughly before storing it in the fridge.

Associate Professor Thinh also emphasized that once food has been thawed, it should not be refrozen. As mentioned earlier, thawing activates bacterial growth, and refreezing can cause an increase in bacterial levels, possibly leading to acute poisoning and other illnesses.

To prevent bacteria from building up in the fridge, make it a habit to clean the refrigerator and freezer compartments weekly. Also, divide food into meal-sized portions before freezing to ensure safety and convenience.

Dr. Dzoan Thi Tuong Vi reiterated that to ensure food safety, poultry and livestock should be frozen as soon as possible after slaughter. Leaving food out at room temperature for extended periods allows bacteria to multiply quickly.