Refrigerator - Food Molds

Once food is stored in a Refrigerator, it begins to lose some of its taste, texture, and nutritional value. Improper food handling or improper food storage at home can cause food-related illnesses, and even disease. The most common cause for food spoilage is mold.

 

Understanding Mold and Food Contamination

  • Mold is caused by common microbes. The evidence of fuzzy mold on a food's surface is only a small portion of the damage done to food. Underneath the surface there are long threads of thousands of mold cells which contaminate the rest of the food item.
  • Molds often grow on produce, baked goods, leftovers and dairy products.
  • Mold spores will travel from one food item to another and can live on surfaces in the Refrigerator.
  • Mold needs moisture, air, and prefers warm temperatures.
  • Foods which are kept past the recommended storage times are receptive to mold.
  • Some mold may actually be yeast, which can cloud a liquid or form a thin layer of slime on solid food. Often the only sign of yeast contamination is a characteristic "yeasty" taste or smell. Yeasts multiply most rapidly in food high in sugar. For example, fruit juice ferments due to yeast contamination. Yeast, like molds, can be controlled by covering and refrigerating foods.

Preventing Mold from Contaminating Food

  • Cover and refrigerate the food quickly.
  • Discard moldy foods immediately.
  • Thoroughly clean the entire Refrigerator interior, including the walls, the top and the shelves of the Refrigerator if a mold problem persists.

Cleaning Mold and Mildew from the Refrigerator

  • Use a solution of warm water and baking soda. Use about a tablespoon (15 ml) of baking soda to a quart (1 liter) of water.
  • This both cleans and neutralizes odors.
  • Thoroughly rinse and wipe dry.
  • Do not clean with any products containing petroleum distillates, detergent, bleach, or ammonia. They may damage the Refrigerator.

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