Homemade cooked food usually only lasts for two to three days in the refrigerator. After that, the risk of bacterial growth increases. Similarly, boiled milk is best used within two to three days.

When does food in the fridge go bad?

Food Storage in the Fridge: Nowadays, refrigerators have become essential in every household. To save time, people store cooked food or store leftovers in the refrigerator. Refrigerators help preserve food for a long time, but that doesn't mean everything stays fresh forever.

In fact, every food has a shelf life, after which eating it can be harmful to health. Therefore, it's crucial to know how long a particular food remains safe in the refrigerator. So, today we'll tell you when food stored in the refrigerator goes bad.

How long are cooked food and dairy products safe?

Homemade cooked food typically only stays safe in the refrigerator for two to three days. After that, the risk of bacterial growth increases. Boiled milk is also best used within two to three days, while packaged milk should be consumed within two days of opening. Fresh yogurt typically lasts four to five days in the refrigerator, but if it starts to turn sour or develop a strange odor, it should not be used.

How long do vegetables and fruits last?

Leafy green vegetables stay refrigerated for three to four days, while vegetables like carrots, beans, and cauliflower can last for 5 to 7 days. Among fruits, apples and pears last for 1 to 2 weeks. However, fruits like grapes and strawberries can spoil within three to five days. It's not advisable to keep cut fruits refrigerated for long periods of time. They should be consumed within 24 hours, or they may become contaminated.

Storage limits for eggs, meat, and bread

Raw eggs stay refrigerated for 7 to 10 days, while boiled eggs should be consumed within two to three days. Raw chicken or meat should be refrigerated for one to two days, and fish for no more than 24 hours. Bread can be refrigerated for five to seven days, but longer storage can result in a loss of flavor and texture.

Caution regarding rice, roti, and lentils

Rice stored in the refrigerator should be consumed within one to two days. It's best to consume roti within 12 to 14 hours, as longer storage reduces its nutritional value. Lentils should also be consumed within two days, as they can cause stomach problems if stored longer.

Avoid these mistakes while storing food in the refrigerator.

• Hot food should never be kept directly in the fridge.
• Keep raw and cooked food separate.
• Always use air-tight containers to store food.
• Keep the refrigerator temperature between 3 to 4 degrees Celsius.
• Throw away food immediately if it smells bad, moldy, or changes color.