Brits are being urged to take extra precautions with food safety as temperatures soar above 30°C, with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) warning that bacteria multiply faster in higher temperatures. A red weather warning remains in place for London and south-east England until 9pm on Friday, after a new June record of 37.3°C was provisionally set in Santon Downham, Suffolk.
Matthew Glynn, Senior Product Manager at Hisense UK, 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 warned against putting warm food directly into the fridge, as this can raise the internal temperature and compromise food safety.
The FSA recommends keeping fridges between 0°C and 5°C to slow bacterial growth. During the heatwave, households should keep food chilled for as long as possible when shopping and when outdoors. Glynn added that salads, fruits, cheeses and dips are best stored separately in sealed containers to maintain freshness and prevent odour transfer.
Glynn also highlighted the importance of fridge organisation during hot weather, as doors are opened more frequently for cold drinks and snacks. Overcrowded shelves can restrict airflow, making it harder for food to chill evenly. Features such as sliding shelves can help improve usability and air circulation.
