The nation’s fridge habits revealed
One in ten Briton’s own up to storing maggots, insects and even pets in their household refrigerators according to a new survey which has revealed we are a nation with very strange fridge habits.
The research into the state of the nation’s fridges, which was conducted by leading refrigeration manufacturer Lec, also revealed that cosmetics and make-up were also common place in the fridge with over a third (34%) of the population storing lipsticks, mascara, lotions and eye masks amongst the milk and margarine.
And that’s not all, with 2% of respondents revealing that the fridge is their favourite place to keep their false teeth, there could potentially be a whopping 1.2 million pairs of falsies chilling next to the cheese.
Camera film, medicines, super glue and teddy bears also came up on the list, underlining the fact that we are an eclectic bunch when it comes to our refrigeration habits.
As part of the research Lec also put some common fridge myths to the test to see if the public knew the difference between fridge fact and fiction.
Myth one: Putting a teaspoon in a champagne bottle keeps the fizz for longer
LEC FRIDGE FICTION: Over a third of us (37%) use this technique to keep our champers fizzy for longer but according to the New Scientist, who ran a blind test – one bottle with spoon, one without – this is fridge fiction. New Scientist measured the fizz rate per hour and both declined at the same rate. Truth is that champagne just keeps fizz longer than expected.
Myth two: Putting onions in the fridge an hour before cooking helps to stop your eyes running
LEC FRIDGE FACT: More than a third of UK cry-babies believe that refrigerating onions will keep the tears at bay. And it’s true, it is thought that refrigerating an onion slows down the release of the enzymes that cause your eyes to water.
Myth three: Food should be defrosted on the kitchen side rather than put in the fridge
LEC FRIDGE FICTION: Nearly 40% of the UK population believed this to be true. In fact, foods should never be thawed or stored on the kitchen worktop. Perishable foods should be kept below 5oC if possible to reduce the growth of bacteria. When food defrosts, the outside surfaces rise in temperature whilst the middle remains frozen. The best place to defrost food is in the fridge where the food always stays at a safe temperature all the way through.
Myth four: Leftover food should be left to cool completely before refrigerating
LEC FRIDGE FICTION: The majority of the UK population (85%) thought this to be the case but food actually only needs to have stopped steaming before it is put in the fridge. When food is left out to cool for more than an hour, the food temperature may be perfect for bacteria to grow. Place food in the fridge as soon as you can and NEVER leave out of refrigeration overnight. To cool it quickly here are a few tips:
- Reduce stocks and add clean ice cubes
- Transfer from a hot cooking pot to a clean shallow container
- Stir regularly
- Sit the bowl in a container of ice and cold water and stir
- Cover cooling foods loosely to allow steam to escape whilst keeping contamination out
And it seems that people are in the dark when it comes to knowing what foods should actually be stored in the fridge too. Almost 60 per cent of people questioned are risking their health by storing their eggs outside of the fridge, despite guidance on packaging stating that eggs should be refrigerated once they have been bought. What’s more, the research also revealed that there are potentially over a quarter of a million bananas are being stored in the nation’s fridges even though this reduces their shelf life and actually turns them black prematurely. Similarly, nearly one in ten respondents think bread should be kept refrigerated although it will turn stale faster when kept in the fridge.
Despite the unusual habits and common myths, there is a serious side to the research which emphasises the need for food to be stored correctly and safely. Dr Lisa Ackerley, TV food and environmental hygiene expert has given her advice about common fridge myths and the importance of safe storage techniques;
“It’s important to know your fridge facts from fridge fiction as storing food incorrectly could result in a very serious health condition. For example, many people believe you should allow food to cool to room temperature on the kitchen side when actually this actively encourages bacteria to grow. Dangerous toxins from bacteria, such as Bacillus cereus (found in rice) or Staphylococcus aureus (found on skin, noses and in throats) can develop as bacteria grow resulting in food poisoning.
“Similarly, if you don’t store your raw meats or poultry carefully and correctly in the fridge (away from the risk of dripping onto ready-to-eat foods) you could put your family at risk of getting Campylobacter, Salmonella or E.coli.
Dr Lisa Ackerley concludes, “The importance of storing food correctly is as critical as ensuring that items are cooked or prepared safely. Lec has brought a very important issue to the forefront of people’s minds and although unusual things are making their way into people’s fridges, we must remember that fridges are there as a tool for safe food hygiene, so storing the right things correctly at the right time is essential to ensure people are not harming their wellbeing unintentionally.”
David Garden, Commercial Director for Lec Refrigeration said, “Despite Lec being a refrigeration specialist for over 60 years, we’ve never been aware that such unusual items are making their way into the nation’s fridges. By conducting the research we’ve also been able to put to rest the common fridge myths that are still being passed on through the generations and hope that our advice will help people think differently when they next decide to refrigerate, defrost, or freeze their food.”
For more information about Lec and for stockists visit: lec.co.uk