5 foods you should NEVER store in the refrigerator door

For many of us, storing food in the refrigerator is an easy task. But ask an expert and you will get the most surprising answer—that many of us don't know the art of storing foods. While we think that any food can be stored anywhere in the fridge, it is said that every food has a specific area where its shelf life is improved. Today, we will explore the doors and understand 5 foods one should never store in the refrigerator door.

Storing milk in the refrigerator door is not a good idea. It is said that frequent opening of doors allows the warm air to enter the food store in the door and allows bacteria to grow. Hence, storing milk in the door only increases the risk of spoilage of milk, which is prone to bacterial growth. The U.S. Dairy Association and refrigeration experts advise storing milk towards the back of the refrigerator, where the temperature is most stable, ideally between 1°C to 4°C. This preserves the nutrients, texture, and taste while preventing faster bacterial growth.

While many refrigerators feature a special egg case in the door, it is suggested not to store them in the door. They need proper consistent temperature, which is lacking in doors. According to a study, once eggs are exposed to temperatures above 40°F (4°C) repeatedly, bacterial growth can increase both on the shell and potentially inside the egg, leading to spoilage. According to the American Egg Board, eggs are best stored on an inside shelf where the temperature is more consistent. AEB also suggests that eggs should be stored in the original carton, as the carton prevents moisture loss and protects the eggs from absorbing any odors or flavors from other foods.

Raw meat and poultry have juices in the packaging, which can contaminate other foods when stored in the door, as there is always a space crunch in the door. Also, there is a risk of dripping of the juices. And, the inconsistent temperatures of the refrigerator door aren't safe either. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and food safety experts advise keeping meat and poultry away from the door to maintain food safety, prolong freshness, and reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. It is suggested to keep them on the bottom shelf of the fridge, wrapped tightly in foil or in a sealed container to prevent juices from leaking.

If you think that storing fruits and vegetables in the door makes it easy to access them, you might be right. But, as per experts, refrigerators have special drawers for them, which are called crisper drawers with signs of fruits and veggies. According to the USDA, these drawers allow the humidity level to be controlled and keep the fruits and veggies fresh for longer. For the unversed, fruits need lower humidity while vegetables need higher humidity.

There is a special section for cheese and one should store it in those slim drawers below the freezer only. As per USDA, additional cool air is directed into the drawer to keep items very cold without freezing, which is perfect for cheese.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article—is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.