7 Essential Foods to Refrigerate During the UK Heatwave – Including Ketchup

Heatwave Kitchen Tips: 7 Foods to Move to Your Fridge Immediately

As temperatures in the UK soar toward 32°C this weekend, experts urge Brits to rethink kitchen storage to avoid food spoilage and health risks. High heat accelerates bacteria growth, making it crucial to relocate certain cupboard staples to the fridge—even items like ketchup, which is typically safe at room temperature.

Foods to Chill During a Heatwave

1. Condiments (ketchup, mustard, jam): Though shelf-stable normally, heat can degrade quality. Refrigeration extends freshness.
   (Image: Bottles of ketchup and mustard on a counter, with arrows pointing to a fridge.)

2. Peanut Butter: Oil separation and rancidity worsen in heat. Stir and store in the fridge.
   (Image: Jar of peanut butter with a "Refrigerate" label.)

3. Chocolate: Prevents melting and "bloom" (white spots). Keep cool to maintain texture.
   (Image: Chocolate bars melting in sunlight vs. stored in a fridge.)

4. Bread: Fridge storage slows mold growth, even if it stales slightly faster.
   (Image: Loaf of bread in a bread bin vs. a fridge shelf.)

5. Berries & Stone Fruits (peaches, nectarines): Refrigeration slows over-ripening and mold.
   (Image: Bowl of peaches next to a fridge drawer.)

6. Opened Sauces/Spreads: Mayo, dressings, or open jars spoil faster—chill after opening.

7. Cream/Iced Cakes: High-risk for bacterial growth. Always refrigerate.
   (Image: Slice of cake with cream frosting placed in a fridge.)

Hot Weather Food Safety Tips

• Use coolers for groceries and leftovers during transport or outdoor meals.
• Check appliance temps: Fridges should be ≤5°C, freezers ≤-18°C.
• Limit exposure: Don’t leave perishables out >2 hours (1 hour if above 32°C).
• Avoid cross-contamination: Use separate utensils for raw and cooked foods.

Heatwave Context
The UK Health Security Agency issued a heat-health alert from Thursday to Sunday, with London hitting 32°C—higher than Lisbon (29°C) and Barcelona (29°C). Northern regions like Manchester will also see highs in the late 20s°C. While sunny skies dominate, isolated showers may occur due to humidity.

(Image: UK map showing temperature hotspots and a family enjoying a picnic with insulated coolers.)

Did You Know?
A recent infographic by Which? details optimal fridge zones: raw meats on the bottom shelf, dairy in the middle, and condiments on the door. During heatwaves, even shelf-stable items benefit from cooler spots.

(Image: Fridge layout diagram showing zones for different food types.)

Final Reminder
Rachael Kiss of Alliance Online emphasizes: “Heatwaves demand extra vigilance. When in doubt, chill it out.” Prioritize safety to enjoy BBQs and picnics without risking foodborne illness.

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