A cup of iced drink in the midsummer is a nice refreshment for body and soul. But always be aware of "fridge disease"!

Recently, some residents have suffered from diseases caused by iced food and drinks, among which Mr. Wang from Hunan province got an anaphylactic shock after drinking iced herbal tea. He vomited as soon as he drank the tea, and his body swelled in a rash. He was diagnosed with food poisoning resulting from frozen food and drinks, which is also known as fridge disease.

Refrigerated food harms are largely due to the pathogenic bacteria contained within the food or drink which cannot be killed but rather reproduce fast in low-temperature environment. The germs may bring about disorders in digestive, respiratory, and urinary systems.

Common pathogenic bacteria in fridge

Salmonella – lives in eggs and meat

The growth of Salmonella is inhibited at 0-4℃, but it multiplies quickly at room temperature. Salmonella infection has an incubation period of 8-24 hours and starts suddenly, causing chills, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting and long-lasting diarrhoea.

Shigella Castellani – lives in fruits and vegetables

Shigellosis is a common enteric infectious disease. After an incubation period of 1-3 days, it breaks out suddenly, bringing about fever and diarrhoea.

Listeria monocytogenes – lives in milk

Listeria monocytogenes grow when the temperature is 0-10℃ low and multiply quickly in milk. When infected, the patient will have fever, chills, and headache.

Yersinia – lives in raw pork

The lower the temperature is, the quicker Yersinia reproduces. Yersinia infection accounts for 2% of diagnosed bowel disorders every year. It causes acute gastroenteritis and enterocolitis.

How to use the fridge right

1. The refrigerator unit should be used to preserve food that will be consumed soon, such as delis, dessert, fruits, and vegetables.

2. The freezer unit is suitable for food like frozen dumplings, ice creams, and seafood. It works better when the temperature is adjusted below -18℃.

3. Different kinds of foods should be placed orderly in the fridge. Avoid placing delis, or prepared foods with raw ones, and reserve some space between each item, otherwise it may accelerate the reproduction of bacteria.

4. Some foods should not be kept in the fridge, including bread, onions, garlics, potatoes, coffee, honey, and chocolate, or the flavour and texture will be affected.

5. Do not store leftovers in the fridge for more than 24 hours.

6. Canned drinks, flammable fluids and those stored in glassware should be kept away from the freezer unit, or they may cause explosion when the temperature rises suddenly.

7. Clean your fridge regularly. Once a month is suggested. Activated carbon is a good choice for absorbing the smell of food.