In the busy pace of life, many people choose to cook ready-made food and then store it in the refrigerator for gradual use. This method helps save time, costs and effort. However, many people worry that eating cooked food and keeping it cold for many days can be harmful to health.
According to Dr. Pawan Kumar Goyal, Senior Director of Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh (India), refrigerated foods are not harmful if done properly and used in a safe time. Refrigeration helps slow down the growth of bacteria, thereby reducing the risk of food damage. Risks only appear when food is stored for too long, cooled slowly or heated incorrectly.
Experts say that most cooked food can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, provided it is cooled quickly and kept at a temperature of about 4 degrees Celsius or lower. After this period, bacteria can still multiply even if the food has no smell or clear signs of damage. Some bacteria like Listeria also have the ability to develop slowly in cold environments.
Eating pre-cooked and refrigerated foods in the wrong way can lead to food poisoning. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, mild fever and fatigue. In some cases, patients may experience dehydration, dizziness or overall weakness. In addition, heating food many times also causes some heat-sensitive vitamins such as vitamin C and B vitamins to be significantly reduced.
Dr. Goyal emphasized that the problem is not in the cooling but in the preservation method. Food needs to be put in the refrigerator within 1-2 hours after cooking, divided into small, clean boxes with a closed lid to cool down faster. The refrigerator temperature needs to be maintained stably, avoiding overload or frequent opening and closing.
Not all foods are suitable for cold storage. Some foods such as potatoes, onions, garlic, bread, honey, coffee, bananas and whole melons do not need to be refrigerated, and can even be reduced in quality if stored cold incorrectly.
For the elderly, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems, experts recommend using pre-cooked food within 2-3 days or freezing it early if there is no plan to use it. When heating, only heat once, ensuring the food is completely hot before eating.
In general, cold storage foods are not harmful to health if treated according to the correct procedures. Complying with storage time, appropriate temperature and hygiene principles is a key factor in reducing the risk of poisoning and protecting the digestive system.
The information in the article is for reference only, not for medical diagnosis or treatment. You should talk directly with your doctor for accurate and appropriate advice to your health condition.
