13 Hidden Dangers in Your Fridge You Didn’t Know About

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Your trusty sidekick is your refrigerator that keeps your milk from spoiling, your veggies crisp, and your leftovers edible. Under that cool, unassuming exterior, however, your fridge may be concealing much more than last night’s lasagna. It’s easy to forget that you fridge is an appliance, it can be dangerous if not taken care of or organized.

Sneaky bacteria and lurking health hazards often don’t get the attention they deserve until they become a real problem. Let us open the fridge door and take a closer look at some hidden risks that might be chilling inside, and as a result, keeping your food — and your family — safe.

Expired Food Trap

It’s tempting to push that container of yogurt or salad dressing to the back and forget about it. It doesn’t matter if it looks and smells fine, pathogens like salmonella or listeria could be brewing. Stomach cramps or worse can be caused by these pathogens. You should always check dates regularly and also declutter your fridge every few weeks.

Cross-Contamination Zones

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Raw chicken on the top shelf? Big mistake. Raw meat juices can spread bacteria to ready to eat foods like fruits and veggies when raw meat juices drip on them. Raw meats should be kept on the lowest shelf and sealed in containers, the USDA says. A simple shift can help keep a host of nasty germs from ruining your dinner plans.

The Forgotten Crisper Drawer

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If ignored, those drawers meant to keep produce fresh do the exact opposite. The mold and bacteria has a perfect breeding ground in the moist and with the food particles. NSF International found that the crisper drawer in the fridge was one of the dirtiest spots, housing pathogens such as E. coli. Wash these out every month, and dry them well.

Overpacked Shelves

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A fridge packed with enough food to last for weeks can actually suffocate it. If you have poor air circulation, it is more difficult to maintain a consistent temperature which can spoil your food. So resist the urge to cram in one more carton of eggs! Experts say your fridge works best if it’s about two-thirds full.

Improper Temperature Settings

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Is your fridge cold enough? If temperature is above 40°F, bacteria can multiply, which can be dangerous to your food and your health. The FDA says a fridge should be between 35°F and 38°F. If your fridge doesn’t show its temperature, invest in a thermometer, and check it from time to time—it’s a small price for big piece of mind.

Condensation Build-Up

Have you ever seen droplets form inside your fridge? If you have excess condensation, that can mean there’s something wrong with the seal or the settings. That moisture can lead to mold to grow not only on the seal, but also on your food. Look for wear and tear of the gasket (that rubber strip around the door) and make sure you clean it often to keep it airtight.

Unwashed Produce

Essential Items To Store in the Refrigerator at All Times — Photo Credit: Pexels

Though it might seem harmless to stash unwashed fruits and vegetables directly into the fridge, you may be letting bacteria in with the cold. Harmful germs can move from soil on produce to other foods. The quick rinse before refrigeration can help a lot if you don’t want to risk contamination.

The Ice Maker’s Dark Side

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Mold and bacteria can grow in neglected ice makers, which seem like harmless conveniences. It can result in ice cubes with unpleasant odors —or worse, illnesses. Run a cleaning solution through your ice maker and wipe down the tray every few months to clean it.

Neglected Leftovers

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In days, that half eaten casserole you forgot about becomes a science experiment. It’s a ticking time bomb for bacteria when not stored properly, especially with leftovers. Leftovers should be eaten within three to four days to prevent foodborne illness. Labeling containers with dates can save you from mystery meals gone bad.

Plastic Containers and BPA

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Storing food in old scratched plastic containers? It’s time for a rethink. Certain plastics, exposed to temperature changes, can leach harmful chemicals, like BPA, into your food. Products with glass, or are BPA free, are a safer option.

The Smelly Sponge Trap

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You know, that sponge you use to wipe down the spills in the fridge? It’s likely a germ magnet. Sponges can in fact host millions of bacteria. For fridge cleaning duties, instead opt for disposable paper towels or washable cloth.

Improper Defrosting

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It’s smart to defrost meat in the fridge but it can go wrong if it’s left uncovered or stored improperly. Thawing meat can contaminate surrounding foods. Meat should always be defrosted in a sealed container to avoid leaks and keeping other foods safe.

Fridge Cleaning Chemicals

Harsh cleaning chemicals may make your fridge look great, but some of those chemicals can linger and transfer to your food. A food safe cleaner is also best, or you can make a quick cleaner yourself, mixing equal parts water and vinegar. It is effective, without leaving risky traces behind.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.