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Defrosting may seem like a small chore but it plays a big role in how your fridge functions, especially during monsoon
These steps will not only prevent excessive ice build-up but also extend the lifespan of your refrigerator. (News18 Hindi)
The country’s apex food regulator, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), has advised all households to clean and defrost their refrigerators every two weeks during the monsoon season.
The agency stressed the importance of food hygiene and kitchen safety to prevent the risk of foodborne illnesses that become more common during this time of year.
Why Is Defrosting Important?
Defrosting may seem like a small chore but it plays a big role in how your fridge functions, especially during monsoon. Due to high humidity levels, frost builds up quicker than usual, which can reduce your refrigerator’s efficiency.
A well-defrosted fridge:
- Keeps evaporator coils frost-free, helping cool the fridge properly.
- Ensures stable and uniform airflow and temperature.
- Prevents frost from occupying space inside the fridge.
- Avoids damage to delicate food items or internal components.
Defrosting not only improves performance but also saves energy and reduces wear and tear on your appliance.
Health Risks Of Skipping Defrosting
According to Dr Narendra Singhla, Lead Consultant, Internal Medicine at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, failing to clean and defrost your fridge regularly during the monsoon can lead to serious health risks.
Speaking to The Indian Express, Dr Singhla noted that the warm and moist conditions inside a fridge during the monsoon can accelerate food spoilage, creating a breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens.
He stressed that consuming contaminated food can lead to digestive issues, food poisoning, infections, and more severe health problems in people with weakened immune systems.
Additionally, FSSAI divided its monsoon food safety guidelines into three main areas: Eat Safe Food, Keep Kitchen Clean, and Maintain Personal Hygiene.
From ‘Eat Safe Food’ guideline:
- Wash fruits and vegetables with clean water before cooking.
- Cook and reheat food thoroughly before eating.
- Do not leave cooked food at room temperature for more than two hours.
- Refrigerate all leftover cooked food and perishable items – ideally below 5°C.
From ‘Keep Kitchen Clean’ guideline:
- Wash and sanitise all surfaces and kitchen tools with disinfectant before preparing food.
- Clean kitchen floors using hot water mixed with disinfectant.
- Wash and dry utensils thoroughly before storing them.
- Clean your refrigerator inside out and defrost it every two weeks.
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
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