![]() School life is so busy and labeling makes keeping track of how long food has been in the fridge much easier. It is a good idea to write the date on each plastic bag when it first goes into the mini fridge. Do not over pack the fridge which can cause the door to have difficulty closing and sealing completely. Allow air to circulate around food to help keep all food properly chilled. The low temperature of the fridge helps to slow bacterial growth but does not fully prevent it. The bags work well to contain liquids such as juices from leftovers, or carry out food items from dripping onto perishable foods or produce. To help protect against cross contamination, purchase large and small resealable plastic bags and place all food items in bags to keep them separate, especially if food items get stacked on each other. Since the interior of a mini-fridge is very small, this places a higher likelihood for different types of food items to touch one another. Also be sure the fridge has a good door seal minimizing cool air from escaping to maintain a consistent 40 degrees to keep food adequately chilled. Cool air escapes every time the fridge door opens, so be mindful of this. Allow the thermometer to be in the fridge for five to eight hours for an adequate reading. If the temperature was above 40 degrees, adjust the temperature control and retest later. The refrigerator compartment should remain at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or less and your freezer at zero degrees. The only way to know if your fridge is set at a safe temperature is to use a refrigerator thermometer. Newer models may have a built-in thermostat to monitor the fridge and freezer, but most do not. Whether the mini-fridge is new or quite old, don’t assume that it is automatically set at a safe temperature. As you or your roommate draw straws to see who gets to clean out the beloved mini-fridge, see how well you adhered this school year to following food safety recommendations. Michigan State University Extension reminds students about important food safety refrigeration practices that directly affect the safety of food including: The internal temperature of your fridge, how well you package your food, along with how long food is stored in a refrigerator. Who knew such a compact appliance could be so popular for stashing leftovers and providing quick access to food for late night studying. ![]() As the spring semester draws to a close it’s time to clean out the dorm room, but don’t forget that includes the mini-fridge.
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