I really want to “fridgescape” my refrigerator, do you have any recommendations?
The short answer: Yes – Keep it Food-Safe!
The explanation: Fridgescaping – decorating the interior of your refrigerator with knickknacks, retro containers, and flowers – can be fun and make it interesting, but it also can be a food safety hazard with food agencies warning against the trend. Why?
- Let’s start with flowers. Commercial flowers sold by florists are often treated with fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, preservatives, or dyes that are not food safe. So stored next to an apple, porous packaging, or open container can cause cross-contamination of the food.
- Then there are retro containers. Grandma’s favorite glass serving dishes may have lead paint or contain other heavy metals that were not restricted at the time. Even old name-brand plastic storage containers may have BPA or toxic chemicals that could leach into your foods.
- Similarly, statues and other knickknacks not only may have lead paint, etc., they can obstruct the airflow of the refrigerator causing uneven cooling and warm spots that can allow bacteria to grow. This disparity can also cause your fridge to work harder, increasing electrical usage – and your bill.
These factors don’t even take into consideration the amount of time your refrigerator will need to be open and warming your food to get the interior design just right – and to shoot the perfect photo for your social media. Dad wasn’t just griping when he yelled “Close that ’frigerator door!” He didn’t want warm milk, moldy lunchmeat … or a high electric bill!
TAG can simplify your food safety and quality practices. Contact us for information!
