Eating safe and healthy food is what we all desire in order to stay healthy. We store leftovers, vegetables, fruits, meat, dairy products and whatnot in our fridge and it serves the purpose of keeping them safe. While the refrigerator can keep the food safe, it can’t do so indefinitely. Therefore, it is always advisable to check the stored food before eating it. There are several factors that determine how long food can stay safe in the fridge before it gets expired and the expiration time various with the type of food you’re considering. That’s why, we have compiled a list of common foods that we keep in the refrigerator and mentioned their expiration times, so that you can always eat healthy food.
Leftovers
Leftovers or cooked food shouldn’t be stored in the fridge for more than 4 days. It is better if you consume leftovers within the next day because their taste will get worse and there is a chance that bacteria will grow on them. Always analyse the leftover or cooked food thoroughly and if you’re in doubt, then don’t eat it.
Vegetables and Fruits
Fresh vegetables and fruits are a must in every grocery list, but they shouldn’t be stored in the refrigerator for more than a week, if you want to get the best out of them. Potatoes can last up to a month, while onions can last for 3 months in the fridge if they are stored properly in a cool and dry place. If you notice any mold, or yellowing and whitening of the vegetables and fruits, then you shouldn’t eat them.
Dairy Products
Eggs will last for 3 weeks if they remain in the shell, while boiled eggs will last for a week in the fridge. Milk will be safe for a maximum of 5 days before it gets spoiled and cheese can last for 3 to 4 weeks. Some of the dairy products will have an expiration date written on their packaging to help you out with figuring what’s safe to eat.
Meat
When it comes to meat, there is a lot of distinction in the storage times that depend upon the kind of meat being considered. Fresh beef will last around 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator, while chicken will only be safe for 1 to 2 days and raw fish will also last for a maximum of 2 days. Again, you should check whether the stored meat is spoiled or not. If the meat gets brown or green and if it’s producing a sour odor, then you should probably avoid it.
These were just some of the guidelines for you to keep the food in check. Remember, whenever you are in doubt, you should probably avoid eating. If you run out of power, most of the food will stay fine for a maximum of 4 hours if you don’t open the refrigerator. After 4 hours, meat, milk, eggs and leftover will be spoiled but whole vegetables, whole fruits will remain safe.