Keeping Your Fridge Hygienic [COVID-19]

Amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, one of the most important things that we need to focus on is keeping good hygiene. For those who are unaware, COVID-19 is a strain of coronaviruses. Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that can cause mild symptoms ranging from a fever and cough to potentially severe pneumonia, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties. Realistically, COVID-19 is only deadly to those who are vunerable, such as the elderly, those with underlying health problems, breathing problems, or heart problems. Although the disease may not be majorly harmful to those in good health, we need to take serious precaution for those who are vulnerable to harm from the disease. 

There are many things we can do for good hygiene, such as washing hands properly, using hand sanitizer, etc. With pretty much everything, there will always be hygiene precautions. Being hygienic with food and drinks is vitally important as it is what enters our bodies. In this blog, we have specified how to keep your fridge hygienic and clean to reduce the spread of diseases.

Cover Meat

Fridges are the most common place for storing cold meat and keeping it fresh. Keeping meat in other places can cause it to become less hygienic by rotting, or lose its taste and freshness by freezing. This is why meat is best stored in your fridge, however, it does not necessarily mean that storing meat in your freezer is hygienic. Many different types of meat contain bacteria which can cause illness. Raw chicken is known for containing harmful bacteria that can only be removed from the meat by cooking. 

When storing meat, it is important to cover the meat for personal hygiene reasons. Bacteria on meats can easily spread to other foods in the fridge if it has not been covered. This can subsequently cause illness that could potentially be fatal, especially for people who are vulnerable. 

Clingfilm can be used over containers to stop meat in your fridge from contaminating other items of food or drinks. It is also important to not remove lids from containers with meat in unless the meat is being used. The safest way to store meat without contaminating other items of food and drink is to only open the packaging before use.

Wash Hands Before Touching Raw Food

It is vital that before touching any raw food to place in the fridge that your hands are washed completely. Raw food includes vegetables and fruit, not just meat. This also includes any food that may not be in packaging. Bacteria or any diseases can easily catch on to items of food and spread to other food and drinks inside of your fridge. This could lead to your entire family becoming ill due to the food being contaminated. 

Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, the government has advised that everyone is to wash their hands for approximately 20 seconds to ensure that the hands are completely clean. If you need help knowing the exact time it takes to wash your hand efficiently. 20 seconds is around how long it takes to sing happy birthday twice. This memorable method will not just effectively keep your hands clean, but it will also prevent food inside of your fridge getting contaminated, or even the spread of the disease COVID-19. 

Hand sanitizer is also an effective way of killing bacteria on your hands, however, hand sanitizer can leave food tasting strange if in contact. 

Do Not Store Raw Meat With Ready to Eat Meats

One incredibly important rule when keeping your fridge hygienic is that all raw meat is stored together and not with any ready to eat foods. This is so that bacteria from the meat does not come into contact with the ready to eat foods. If this was to occur, the ready to eat foods would then become inedible or would potentially cause whoever consumed to food to become ill, which could potentially be fatal. 

It is currently deemed very unlikely by the NHS that COVID-19 is spread through food or packaging, however, it is still a possibility. With such a serious global crisis and with so many people at risk, it is vitally important that no risks are taken with hygiene. There are many guides across the internet on how to remain hygienic and to prevent the risk of COVID-19. Below are some tips from us for staying healthy and hygienic during the COVID-19 outbreak:

• Wash your hands frequently using an alcohol-based hand rub or with soap and water.

• Cough and sneeze into your sleeves or elbows alternatively to into your hands. If you are infected and touch a surface ( for example, a handrail), it could infect other people and cause the virus to spread.

• Maintain a metre distance from anybody who is coughing or sneezing. 

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Hands touch all different surfaces and can easily pick up viruses. By touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, the virus can be transferred to your body and make you sick.

Does Using My Fridge Increase the Risk of Myself or Others Getting COVID-19?

As previously mentioned, it is highly unlikely that COVID-19 is spread through food or packaging, however, it is still possible. This does not mean that you should stop using your fridge due to the virus. With the correct hygiene precautions, it is extremely unlikely that the food in your fridge could be contaminated with COVID-19, and using your fridge should be completely safe. Even if the current pandemic wasn’t occurring, it’s extremely important that these hygiene tips are always followed. Other bacteria can be contained in foods and can be spread in your fridge without taking precautions. 

Fridge Bromley

Despite the outbreak, it is highly important that your home has a fridge. Fridges can keep your food fresh, drinks cold, and even keep your food hygienic. Budget Appliances stock an incredible range of fridges in Bromley and other appliances such as ovens from a multitude of manufacturers such as Bosch, Indesit, and Hotpoint. Browse through our incredible range and find a fridge that is perfectly suited to your requirements today.