What’s the Right Way to Store Raw Meat in Your Refrigerator?

 

What’s the Right Way to Store Raw Meat in Your Refrigerator?

Refrigeration is very important for keeping your food fresh, especially raw meat. However, many people unknowingly store meat the wrong way, which can lead to germs, spoilage, and even health risks. If you’ve detected bad smells, spoiled meat, or uneven cooling in your fridge, it might be time to contact a professional refrigerator mechanic in Calicut to check and fix the issue.

Let’s look at the safest and most effective methods to store raw meat in your refrigerator to ensure both food safety and appliance efficiency.

Why Raw Meat Needs Special Storage

Raw meat is a breeding place for bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria. When not stored properly, these germs can easily spread to other foods, surfaces, or even your hands during cooking. Poor storage can cause:

• Cross-contamination
• Bad smells
• Faster spoilage
• Foodborne illness risks

Taking a few extra steps can help keep your kitchen safe and your food fresh.

Always Store Raw Meat on the Lowest Shelf

Gravity can be a problem if raw meat is not stored correctly. Juices from meats like chicken or beef can drip onto other foods, contaminating fruits, vegetables, or cooked dishes. That’s why experts suggest keeping raw meat on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator.

Put the meat in a leak-proof container or tray to catch any drips and avoid spills. This simple action can help prevent serious health problems later on.

Maintain the Right Temperature

To keep raw meat safe, your refrigerator should be set at or below 4°C (40°F) consistently. If your fridge fluctuates or doesn’t stay cold, it’s not only annoying, but also a health hazard. Call a qualified refrigerator repair person in Calicut to check and fix cooling problems before they spoil your food.

Tip: Use a fridge thermometer to ensure the temperature stays stable, especially during power outages or hot weather.

Use Proper Packaging

How you package meat affects how long it lasts and how safe it is:

• Store in original packaging if you’ll use it within a day or two.
• Rewrap in airtight, food-safe containers for longer storage.
• Use zip-lock bags or vacuum-seal options for freezing.
• Avoid storing meat in open containers or uncovered bowls, as this encourages bacterial growth and spreads smells.

Know the Safe Storage Duration

Even with the best storage methods, raw meat has a limited shelf life in the fridge:

• Poultry: 1–2 days
• Ground meats: 1–2 days
• Steaks and chops: 3–5 days
• Seafood: 1–2 days

Label everything with the storage date to keep track of freshness and avoid holding meat longer than its safe usage time.

Freeze If You’re Not Using It Soon

If you won’t use raw meat in a few days, freezing is the safest choice. Just remember to:

• Freeze in an airtight container
• Label the package with the date
• Thaw in the refrigerator, never on the counter

Freezing slows the growth of bacteria but doesn’t get rid of them, so cook the meat well after thawing.

Conclusion

Storing raw meat is not just about putting things in the fridge—it’s about keeping it fresh, avoiding sickness, and ensuring your family stays healthy. However, even the best methods won’t be effective if your refrigerator isn’t working properly.

That’s why people in Calicut rely on Fixail. From fixing uneven cooling to ensuring it works well, Fixail provides dependable service with experienced refrigerator technicians in Calicut. Keep your fridge working well and your food safe— with Fixail on your team.