Fridges have helped us in many ways, whether it is by prolonging the shelf-life of foods or helping us avoid heat-based illnesses. Many times, keeping foods at room temperature for a long time can promote bacteria growth. By keeping the food at lower temperatures, it can help keep the food fresh for longer. However, a recent study found that many people in the UK might be making choices that put themselves and others at risk of food poisoning. Worrying Fridge Habits Uncovered A survey by the Currys, a tech and appliance store, asked 2,000 people about their fridge habits and found some concerning trends. An expert has now warned that organizing your fridge correctly is "essential" to avoid getting sick. The study found that more than one in five fridge owners didn't know the ideal fridge temperature should be between 0-5°C (0-41 degrees F), as recommended by the Food Standards Agency (FSA). Even worse, 42% admitted they don't regularly check their fridge temperature. This means potentially millions of people in the UK could be risking food poisoning. When it came to specific items, 61% didn't know that dairy products like milk shouldn't be stored in the fridge door. The door is actually the warmest part of the fridge because its temperature changes every time it's opened and closed. Raw Meat, Eggs, and Other Storage Surprises The survey also revealed that 22% of people didn't know raw meat should always go on the lowest shelf in the fridge. A third of those surveyed even confessed to eating meat from the fridge without being fully sure it was safe. Many people are also unsure about eggs. Google data shows over 31,000 searches in the UK for "should I keep eggs in the fridge," a 26% increase from last year. The FSA advises: "Store eggs in a cool, dry place, ideally in the fridge and keep them apart from other foods." Keeping eggs on the counter can affect their quality, especially with changing kitchen temperatures from weather or cooking. Tips To Keep Your Fridge Safe According to the University of Minnesota Extension, keeping your refrigerator at the right temperature is one of the best ways to prevent food poisoning. Experts like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) say that food should be stored at 40 degrees F (about 4 degrees C) or colder. Research even suggests that if all refrigerators were kept below this temperature, a serious illness called listeriosis could be reduced by a huge 70%. Yet, a study from the University of Tennessee found that very few people, only about 9%, actually own a fridge thermometer. Here are some important tips to keep in mind for your fridge safety. Keeping your fridge organized and at the right temperature is key to preventing foodborne illness. Here's how to keep your food safe: Store raw meats on the bottom shelf Always place raw meat, poultry, and seafood on the lowest shelf in trays or pans. This stops their juices from dripping onto and contaminating other foods below. Check your fridge temperature regularly Make it a habit to check your refrigerator's temperature often, ideally every day or at least once a week. This ensures it stays at a safe temperature (40°F or below). Refrigerate cooked food quickly Make sure to put prepared meals and any leftovers into the fridge within two hours of cooking. Cool leftovers properly To help leftovers cool down fast, divide them into small, shallow containers before placing them in the refrigerator. Once the food has cooled, you can cover it. Don't overfill your fridge Avoid packing your refrigerator too full. Cool air needs to circulate freely around your food to keep everything at a safe temperature.