Fridge and freezer care

Fridges

  • follow the manufacturer's instructions
  • do not position next to a source of heat (such as a radiator) or in sunlight
  • use a fridge thermometer - keep food below 8 degrees centigrade
  • a packed fridge will not be as efficient as one which allows air circulation
  • dry foods should be kept at the top
  • wet foods such as raw meat should be kept at the bottom of the fridge
  • do not leave the door open for too long
  • clean the door seals with a solution of detergent to remove mould growth
  • allow air to circulate around the outside of the fridge
  • adjust the internal dial at different times of the year in accordance with manufacturer's instructions

Fridge breakdown

  • a fridge which has had no power for about eight hours or more may present a food safety hazard
  • if a power failure happens when you are at home, ask a neighbour if they have space in a working fridge for you to put your contents in
  • refrigerated foods can be transferred to a cool box with frozen ice-packs for no more than four hours
  • throw away contaminated food
  • clean the inside of the fridge when the power has been restored

Freezers

  • follow the manufacturer's instructions
  • read instructions on food packaging
  • keep the temperature of the freezer between minus 18 and minus 22 degrees centigrade
  • label all food packaging and containers with date of cooking and use-by dates
  • use proper freezer storage equipment
  • do not use cardboard packaging or newspapers
  • a well stocked freezer is more energy efficient
  • do not allow ice to build up inside freezers
  • defrost freezer units in accordance with manufacturer's instructions
  • keep freezers away from sources of heat
  • allow air to circulate around the outside of the freezer
  • keep the door seal clean and disinfected
  • in the event of a power failure, keep the freezer door shut and cover the unit with blankets and duvets
  • if a power failure persists for more than 8 hours throw away the food

Freezer breakdown

  • keep the doors shut
  • insulate the unit with duvets, blankets, newspaper and such like
  • keep air vents clear
  • remove insulation material as soon as the power is back on to reduce a risk of fire
  • if raw food has ice crystals and has not been exposed to any cross contamination it may be re-frozen provided the temperature has not reached above -3C (any higher and the food should be cooked straight away or destroyed and safely disposed of)
  • ready to eat food with no ice crystals should be destroyed (if ice crystals are present and there has been no risk of contamination, and the temperature is lower than -3C, then you can eat the food, following the preparation and cooking instructions)
  • throw away contaminated food
  • clean the inside of the freezer, removing old food particles, once the power has been restored