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With the arrival of the summer season, the refrigerator becomes the most frequently used appliance in households. People believe that storing every food item in the fridge keeps it safe and prevents it from spoiling quickly. Storing everything—from milk and vegetables to cut fruits—has become a common habit. However, is it truly advisable to refrigerate everything, or could improper storage methods take a toll on our health?

Dr. Ritika Sharma, Senior Dietitian and Nutrition Consultant at Sarvodaya Hospital in Faridabad, explains that while refrigerating an item does not turn it toxic, problems arise when we fail to store it correctly. Whether inside the fridge or out in the open, if proper attention is not paid to temperature and storage conditions, bacteria and fungi can multiply rapidly in food, potentially posing health risks.

**Do Not Place Hot Food Directly into the Fridge**

According to Dr. Ritika, many people make the mistake of placing piping hot food directly into the refrigerator—a practice that is entirely incorrect. Doing so compromises both the taste and texture of the food. For instance, if you boil milk, leave it out at room temperature for an extended period, and *then* place it in the fridge, bacteria would have already begun to develop within it. Furthermore, if the refrigerator's internal temperature exceeds 4 degrees Celsius, bacterial growth accelerates even further, causing the milk to spoil rapidly.

**Caution is Also Necessary with Cut Fruits**

People often make mistakes when it comes to storing cut fruits as well. Once placed in the refrigerator, fruits begin to oxidize, resulting in the appearance of a dark layer on their surface. Additionally, the fruit begins to dry out, and its flavor undergoes a change. If stored in an airtight container, cut fruits can remain fresh for up to a day; however, if left exposed to the air, they dehydrate very quickly.

**Store Leftover Vegetables Correctly**

During the summer months, it is difficult to keep leftover cooked vegetables out at room temperature; consequently, people store them in the refrigerator, which is a sensible practice, provided it is done correctly. Dr. Ritika emphasizes that one should never place hot cooked vegetables directly into the fridge. Instead, allow them to cool down slightly first. If you place food in the refrigerator while it is still hot, the oils present in it may solidify and crystallize, thereby compromising the quality of the food.

**What Are the Right Tips?**
According to Dr. Ritika, a refrigerator can keep your food safe, but only if you use it correctly. Always maintain the proper temperature, avoid placing hot items directly into the fridge, and store food either covered or in airtight containers. Only then can your health remain safeguarded.

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