The Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) has issued a warning against freezing seven common types of foods, citing potential health risks.
The agency advises that freezers should be maintained at -18 degrees or less to prevent health hazards from foodborne microorganisms.
These microorganisms can become active during defrosting and pose a health risk if consumed in large quantities, according to El Tiempo.
The list of foods to avoid freezing includes raw fruits and vegetables like lettuce and tomatoes, potatoes, eggs with their shells, high-fat foods, mayonnaise, and fried foods.
El Mundo also provided a list of foods suitable for freezing, such as meats, fish, cold cuts, vegetables, legumes, sausages, fruits, beaten eggs, and bread. It further cautioned against freezing hot foods as it could adversely affect other items.
The NHS emphasises the importance of proper food storage and reheating, advising people to thoroughly defrost food before reheating, preferably in the fridge or using a microwave’s defrost function.
It warns against defrosting food at room temperature and urges consumption within 24 hours of defrosting. Babies and young children are especially susceptible to the bacteria that causes food poisoning.
However, improper storage of food in the fridge or freezer is just one potential cause of this unpleasant illness.
The NHS cautions individuals about not thoroughly cooking or reheating food, leaving food out for extended periods, and the risk of contamination from someone who is ill or hasn’t washed their hands. It’s also vital to not consume food past its use-by date.
The usual suspects for food poisoning include campylobacter, salmonella, E. coli, and norovirus, with symptoms such as nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, a high temperature, and generally feeling unwell with fatigue, aches, and chills.
Despite these symptoms, people can often manage them at home, and they typically subside within a week. However, it’s crucial to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
You can learn more about storing food via the NHS website here. For more on food poisoning, visit the website here.
