UK households are urged to rethink their milk storage practices, as experts warn about the potential health risks of improper refrigeration.
As per a recent advisory, the milk stored in the fridge door is not just a matter of convenience but can lead to faster spoilage and increased bacterial growth.
Experts emphasize that the refrigerator door is the warmest part of the fridge. Each time the door is opened, temperature fluctuations occur, accelerating the growth of bacteria and shortening the milk’s shelf life.
A representative from Plumbworld, a UK-based home appliance specialist, stated, “The fridge door is not ideal for storing perishable items like milk.
Milk is best kept in the main body of the fridge, ideally on the lower shelves towards the back, where temperatures are colder and more consistent.”
As per the report, estimated UK households throw away 250 euros of food per person annually. In a family of four, almost 1000 euros goes in the bin.
Head of Product Management at Beko UK, Sakah Sun said, “How we organize our fridges can make or break our efforts to reduce food waste. Most people don’t realize that poor fridge organization isn’t about aesthetics—it directly impacts food longevity and your household budget.”
He advises a designated zone in the fridge is needed to create, which makes food last for longer. Salah Sun explains, “Temperature fluctuates within your fridge, so storing items in the right zones is crucial.
The bottom shelf, being the coldest, is perfect for raw meats, while the middle shelves maintain ideal conditions for dairy and prepared foods. The door, often used for milk, is the warmest area due to frequent opening.”
“We recommended keeping more stable items like condiments and drinks in the door compartments, moving to the middle shelf where temperatures remain more constant.”
Salah Sun added, “When you can see and access everything easily, you are more likely to cook at home and make healthier choices. Plus, maintaining optimal storage conditions means your fresh produce lasts longer, reducing both waste and shopping frequency.”
The warnings have sparked discussions on social media, with many UK residents admitting they’ve stored milk in the fridge door for years without realizing the potential drawbacks.
One Twitter user remarked, “I’ve always put my milk in the door because it’s so convenient. But now I’ll make an effort to move it to the shelves!” This reflects a growing awareness among consumers about food safety practices.