The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a food safety warning for households cooking this weekend as the UK experiences extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 37.3C in Santon Downham, Suffolk, on Friday, setting a new June record. A rare red weather warning from the Met Office has been extended across London and south-east England until 9pm on Friday.
Why Heatwaves Increase Food Poisoning Risk
In extremely hot weather, bacteria that cause food poisoning can multiply faster, according to the FSA. The agency stresses that it is important to take extra precautions to keep food safe. Matthew Glynn, Senior Product Manager at Hisense UK, which sells fridges, freezers, and fridge freezers, said: “With many households turning to BBQs, picky bits and buffet-style dinners during the heatwave, it’s important to be aware of how proper fridge storage can help leftovers stay fresher for longer and reduce unnecessary food waste.”
Key Tips for Storing Leftovers Safely
Glynn advised that cooked meats such as burgers, sausages, and chicken should be cooled and refrigerated within two hours, ideally in airtight containers rather than loosely wrapped in foil or cling film. He also recommended storing salads, fruits, cheeses, and dips separately in sealed containers to maintain freshness and prevent odours transferring between foods.
A common mistake is putting warm food straight into the fridge. Glynn warned: “It is also important to remember to avoid putting warm food straight into the fridge and ensuring there’s enough space around items for cool air to circulate properly.” The FSA recommends keeping fridges between 0C and 5C to safely store food and slow bacterial growth, and urges households to keep food chilled for as long as possible when shopping and when outside.
Fridge Organisation During Heatwaves
Fridge organisation becomes more important during warmer weather, as households tend to open doors more frequently for cold drinks and snacks. Glynn explained: “Overcrowded shelves can restrict airflow, making it harder for food to chill evenly. Features such as sliding shelves help improve usability during busy summer periods by making it easier to rearrange space quickly, accommodate taller items, and keep air circulating more effectively around stored food.”
Some appliances include features designed to maintain more consistent, independent temperatures across different compartments, helping prevent strong-smelling foods from transferring odours and ensuring delicate items stay fresher for longer. This allows households to more easily separate BBQ meats, salads, and chilled sides without flavours mixing, while still keeping everything stored at optimal conditions for taste and quality, the expert added.
