Keeping your Refrigerator Safe!

The conversation around properly (and safely) organizing your refrigerator takes me back to my first class at Le Cordon Bleu. In our Culinary Foundations class, we learned everything from properly holding a knife, to kitchen terminology – “yes chef!” “down the line” and “knife behind” –  and safety and sanitation. The ultimate goal of class was to prepare for our ServSafe exam. Upon completion and passing the ServSafe exam, you receive a certificate that shows excellence in proper procedures and protocols for safely handing and serving food.  This introductory class at LCB set the foundation and standards from which I still use today. In fact, I have introduced my own friends and family to these guidelines to ensure proper food safety in their own homes.  

Today I want to highlight one of the most important items when it comes to protecting your family and friends in your own kitchen….Properly and safely organizing your refrigerator!

Storing Proteins:

1. Proteins should always be stored on the lowest shelf in your refrigerator.
2. Items should be self-contained in a Ziplock bag or Tupperware container ensuring that there is absolutely no risk for cross-contamination.
3. Beyond storing these items on the bottom shelf, this is the order in which they should be stored from top to bottom:
   • Fish – beef & pork – ground meat & fish – whole or ground poultry

Storing Dairy:

1. Dairy should never be stored on the refrigerator door as that is the warmest part of your fridge.
2. The door of the fridge should be used for condiments, sauces and other items that are not highly perishable.
3. Store dairy in the back of the fridge which is the coldest part of the fridge

Storing Herbs:

1. Herbs should be stored in the crisper wrapped in damp paper towels in a opened Ziplock bag. This will help to keep them hydrated and at there prime longer.

Storing Eggs:          

1. Always store eggs in the egg crate and not open in the fridge. Eggs quickly take on other odors so make sure they are far away from anything with an odor. For example, leftover garlic lover’s chicken, sliced onions and curry soup should be placed as far away as possible.
2. If you want to transfer your eggs to a plastic egg crate, go ahead and do so but be extra careful what you store close to it.

By practicing proper food safety and sanitation in your own home, you can protect your friends and family from what we all fear, a foodborne illness.

Cheers to starting a new tradition around the table together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis,

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!