Scots are being urged to take extra care when storing food as warm summer weather continues, with experts warning that a common fridge mistake could increase the risk of food poisoning. Temperatures are expected to remain in the mid-20s across much of Scotland this week, prompting many people to stock up for barbecues, picnics and family gatherings. However, food safety experts say the hotter conditions mean perishable foods can spoil much faster if not stored correctly.
Overcrowding Prevents Cold Air Circulation
One of the biggest mistakes people make during warm weather is overfilling their fridge. While it may seem like the easiest way to fit in extra food and drinks, packing shelves too tightly can stop cold air from circulating properly, preventing some foods from staying at a safe temperature. When this happens, harmful bacteria can multiply more quickly, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses such as food poisoning. Fridges also have to work harder during hot weather, making it even more important to store food correctly.
Katherine Pavling, head of product at Virtual College, explained: "Hot weather increases the risk of food going off more quickly, so it is important to take extra care with storage and hygiene. Perishable foods such as meat, fish, dairy and cooked leftovers should be kept refrigerated at 5°C or below, and should not be left at room temperature for long periods. As a general rule, food should not be left out for more than two hours, or one hour in very high temperatures."
Keep Fridge 70-80% Full
She added: "During summer, many people stock up for barbecues, picnics and gatherings, which can easily lead to an overcrowded fridge. However, it is important not to overfill your fridge, as this can prevent cold air from circulating properly." Giving advice, she recommends: "As a rule of thumb, aim to keep your fridge around 70-80 per cent full and ensure air vents are not blocked."
Katherine also warned against putting hot food straight into the fridge after cooking. "After cooking or BBQing, it's essential not to place the hot food directly into the fridge, too, as this can raise the internal temperature and affect other stored items, especially in hot weather, and should be cooled first," she explained. "The guideline is 1-2 hours cooling time, but in very hot weather conditions, aim for closer to 1 hour."
Simple Precautions to Prevent Illness
Alongside avoiding an overcrowded fridge, the expert recommended taking a few simple precautions to help keep food safe during hot weather. These include using cool bags or cool boxes with ice packs when transporting shopping or picnic food, avoiding leaving chilled items in warm cars where temperatures can quickly soar, and keeping foods such as meat, dairy, seafood and prepared salads chilled until they are ready to eat.
People are also advised to regularly check that their fridge is operating at 5°C or below, avoid blocking internal air vents and store raw meat separately from ready-to-eat foods to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Additionally, checking that the fridge door is shut correctly and the seals are in good condition can help maintain a consistent temperature throughout the fridge.
Katherine added: "Simple precautions such as using cool bags when travelling with food, such as for picnics or cooking, avoiding leaving shopping in warm cars, and ensuring fridges are operating at the correct temperature can significantly reduce the risk of food poisoning during hot weather." The expert also warned that warmer conditions can create the perfect environment for bacteria to multiply, stating: "Bacteria multiply much faster in warm conditions, so food that might normally be safe for a short time can become unsafe more quickly during heatwaves. Taking basic steps to keep food properly chilled is one of the most effective ways to prevent illness."
