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People frequently leave prepared meals out for extended periods before placing them in the refrigerator. This practice can diminish food quality and elevate the chances of foodborne illnesses. Timely refrigeration is crucial for ensuring both food safety and the optimal functioning of your refrigerator.

Refrigerate within two hours—Experts recommend that cooked meals should not remain at room temperature for longer than two hours. In hot weather, where temperatures exceed 32°C, it's advisable to refrigerate food within one hour. Leaving food out for too long creates a favorable environment for bacteria to thrive.

Avoid placing hot food directly in the fridge—However, this does not imply that you should place a pot of steaming food directly into the refrigerator. Extremely hot food can elevate the internal temperature of the fridge, potentially impacting other stored items. Moreover, it can put additional strain on the refrigerator's compressor, leading to decreased efficiency.

Refrigerate only after cooling—The ideal method is to allow hot food to cool to room temperature first; typically, 20 to 30 minutes is adequate. For larger quantities, divide the food into smaller containers. This helps it cool more quickly and ensures even chilling once placed in the fridge.

Always keep food covered—Store food in clean, covered containers. Open vessels can release moisture and odors, resulting in unpleasant smells inside the refrigerator and affecting other food items. Airtight containers made from glass or food-safe plastic are the best options.

Do not overfill the fridge—Avoid overloading the refrigerator. It’s important to leave some space for proper air circulation. If the fridge is too full, food may not cool evenly, increasing the risk of spoilage. Leftovers should generally be consumed within 3 to 4 days. If longer storage is needed, consider freezing them. The safest approach is to let cooked food cool slightly and then refrigerate it within two hours. This practice helps maintain food freshness, minimizes bacterial growth, and enhances the refrigerator's long-term efficiency.