Refrigerator Food Molds

As food is stored in a refrigerator, it begins to lose its taste, texture, and nutritional value .Improper food handling or improper storage of food at home can cause food-related illness, and even disease.

The most common cause of food spoilage is mold.

 

• 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 of 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 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.east, like molds, can be controlled by covering and refrigerating foods.

To prevent mold from contaminating food:

 

• Cover and refrigerate the food quickly.
• Discard moldy foods immediately.
• Clean out the entire refrigerator, including the walls, the top and the shelves of the refrigerator if a mold problem persists

To clean mold/mildew:

 

• 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 your refrigerator.