Food Safety Myth: You Should Not Put Hot Foods in the Refrigerator

Food Safety Myth Buster

According to the Partnership for Food Safety Education, “hot foods can be placed directly in the refrigerator. Large pot foods like soups and stews should be divided into small portions and put in shallow containers for quicker cooling in the refrigerator”.

“Food is not safe to eat after sitting out at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria spreads fastest at temperatures between 40 degrees F and 140 F, so chilling food properly is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of food borne illness”.

Source: Partnership for Food Safety Education