The viral decor trend known as ‘fridgescaping’ is taking social media by storm, encouraging individuals to transform the interior of their refrigerators into aesthetically pleasing spaces, much like decorating a room in their homes.
While the concept of a clean and organised fridge is appealing, health experts are raising alarms about the potential dangers associated with this trend. “The inside of a refrigerator is no place for decorating,” said Dr Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst for Fox News and clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center.
The practice often involves placing non-food decorative items inside the fridge, including photo frames, plants, baskets, showpieces, and lights, which can lead to a host of health concerns.
What specific health risks are associated with the practice of fridgescaping?
To confirm this, indianexpress.com spoke to Dr Palleti Siva Karthik Reddy, consultant physician at Koshys Hospital. Dr Reddy explained, “The trend of fridgescaping, which involves organising and decorating the inside of refrigerators to create visually appealing arrangements, can present a number of food safety risks.”
He adds, “One major concern is cross-contamination. When decorative items such as plants, baskets, or clothes are placed near perishable food itemsthey can harbour bacteria or mould that could potentially contaminate the food. Additionally, storing food in open containers or improperly sealed jars for aesthetic purposes increases the risk of food spoilage and bacterial growth, as harmful pathogens can thrive in improperly stored or exposed foods.”
The practice of fridgescaping might also lead to poor food hygiene if it encourages the use of non-food-safe materials in the fridge, he stresses. The focus on aesthetics can cause people to overlook expiration dates or proper food rotation, which can lead to the consumption of spoiled or unsafe food.
How can decorative items inside a fridge affect the overall environment?
According to Dr Reddy, refrigerators are designed to allow airflow that keeps the entire unit at the appropriate temperature, ensuring food safety. Adding unnecessary items to the fridge can block vents or cause uneven cooling, resulting in some areas becoming too warm and increasing the risk of spoilage and bacterial growth in perishable foods.
“Additionally, decorative items may absorb moisture, leading to increased humidity levels inside the fridge, which can further encourage the growth of mold and bacteria. This can compromise the freshness of fruits, vegetables, dairy, and other items that require consistent, low temperatures,” he states.
Practical tips to keep refrigerators clean and organised without compromising food safety
To maintain a clean and organised refrigerator while ensuring food safety, Dr Reddy recommends considering the following tips:
Use Food-Safe Containers: Store food in airtight, food-safe containers that are easy to clean and properly labelled with expiration dates. This prevents cross-contamination and ensures food stays fresh.
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Keep Non-Food Items Out: Avoid placing non-food items like decorative baskets or plants in the fridge. Stick to functional organisation methods, such as using clear plastic or glass containers for easy visibility.
Organise Based on Temperature Zones: Place perishable items, like meat and dairyin the colder zones of the refrigerator (generally the back or lower shelves), and store produce in crisper drawers to maintain optimal freshness. Avoid blocking vents to ensure air circulation.
Clean Regularly: Wipe down shelves and drawers with a mild disinfectant at least once a month. This helps eliminate bacteria or mould growth and ensures a sanitary environment for food storage.
Rotate Food: Practice the ‘first in, first out’ method. Ensure older items are placed at the front so they’re used first, reducing the risk of consuming expired food.
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DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
