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This is Susie Craig from Washington State University Extension.

From TikTok to Pinterest, there are photos of refrigerator shelves filled with plates of uncovered raw meat, crystal pitchers of milk, framed photographs, bowls of fruit, even twinkle lights. It’s called fridgescaping.

Decorative plates and vintage crystal pitchers may contain lead, which is unsafe for food contact. Removing food from original packaging removes storage or use-by dates. Additionally, many fridgescapes allow for cross contamination.

From a food safety perspective, the best fridgescape is a regularly cleaned, sanitized, and organized refrigerator with a thermometer at forty degrees F or below. If you long for visual order, store leftovers, cut-up fruit and vegetables in food safe, stackable containers with lids and labels. Organize drinks and condiments. Arrange food to prevent cross contamination.

This has been Food Safety in a Minute. Thank you for listening.

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Resources:

Datskovska, Stacia. Should You be Decorating the Inside of Your Refrigerator. Elle Décor. 8-14-24. https://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/trends/a61865153/fridgescaping-trend-explainer/. Accessed online 9/23/2024.

Partnership for Food Safety Education. The Core Four Practices.

https://www.fightbac.org/food-safety-basics/the-core-four-practices/. Accessed online 9/24/24.

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