How the Refrigerator Styling Trend Can Make You Sick

Dr. Maria Knobel, the Medical Director of Medical Cert UK, says the main problem is the risk of contamination.

“When you place decorative elements inside your fridge, especially if they are not food-safe or are difficult to clean, you could inadvertently introduce contaminants,” she explained. “For example, decorative items might harbor bacteria or mold, which can then come into contact with food items,” said Knobel

Contamination is a problem because it increases your risk for foodborne illnesses. It also increases the risk that foods will spoil.

Another potential concern is temperature regulation.

“Fridgescaping might involve placing non-food items in the refrigerator, which can disrupt air circulation,” said Knobel.

Without proper air circulation, your refrigerator may not be able to maintain temperatures that prevent bacterial growth and spoilage, allowing disease-causing organisms like Salmonella and E. coli to flourish.

Knobel additionally pointed out the potential for chemical exposure.

“Some decorative items may be made from materials that are not intended for use in food storage environments,” she explained. “If these items degrade or release chemicals, there is a risk of these substances coming into contact with your food.”

This could be especially risky for pregnant people and children, Knobel added.

Varsha Khatri, RDN, with Prowise Healthcare, noted, however, that arranging your refrigerator to have a more aesthetic appearance can have certain benefits, provided you don’t go too far.

One potential benefit is the reduction of food waste, she said, stating that “fridgescaping catches people’s attention by arranging and presenting food appealingly.”

She said this emphasis on visibility can help people be more purposeful in their food consumption, leading to less waste.

It can also make meal prep easier, according to Khatri

“With an orderly fridge, cooking does not need to be a strenuous task as the various ingredients required for cooking can easily be retrieved,” she said. “This can open avenues of culinary innovation as people will tend to use the food products they see as they make their meals.”

Finally, Khatri spoke about how fridgescaping can help people keep their fridges organized and clean.

“This not only promotes the safety of food but also helps one adopt the practice of regular upkeep to make sure the refrigerator is clean and organized over a period of time,” she explained.

“In as much as the risks are acknowledged, the advantages may be fully enjoyed of having a relatively arranged fridge which benefits health and creates wonderful dishes,” said Khatri.

Fridgescaping is the latest trend to take over on TikTok. It consists of decorating your refrigerator in appealing and often romantic ways using decorative objects and appealing displays of fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

If overdone, it can create a risk for contamination and foodborne illness. It can also make it more difficult for your refrigerator to do its job of keeping your food cool and safe. There is also a risk of chemical contamination when you place foods in containers that are not designed to be food-safe.

On the other hand, if you keep safety in mind and don’t go too far, fridgescaping could help you be more aware of not wasting food and also help you put together your meals more easily. It can also help keep your fridge clean and more organized.