Asda's Fridge Temperature Tip to Keep Milk Fresh and Reduce Food Waste

As temperatures are expected to rise significantly this week, Asda has offered a helpful tip to keep milk and other perishable items fresh. The Met Office forecasts temperatures reaching as high as 36C in certain areas of the UK, prompting an amber heat health alert from the UKHSA.

Several years ago, the supermarket advised customers to ensure their refrigerators are set to the correct temperature to prevent milk from spoiling prematurely. According to Asda, refrigerators should be set to 5 degrees Celsius or lower to preserve food, milk, and other products, extending their shelf life.

This advice, originally issued in 2022, remains relevant as the UK anticipates a period of extreme heat. Research from the climate action NGO WRAP indicates that UK households discard approximately 3.1 million glasses of milk daily. Families with children are estimated to waste around £60 worth of food and drink each month. The research also revealed that only half of the population knows the correct refrigerator temperature, with many households setting their fridges at least two degrees too warm.

Adam Randles, Senior Buying Manager for Dairy at Asda, emphasized the importance of reducing food waste, particularly during the cost-of-living crisis. He highlighted the significant amount of milk that is wasted and the potential for customers to save money by reducing food waste.

Helen White, Special Advisor for Household Food Waste at WRAP/Love Food Hate Waste, supported Asda's advice, emphasizing the importance of proper refrigeration. She noted that many people are unaware of the ideal fridge temperature and that incorrect settings can lead to food spoilage. By storing food and drink correctly, consumers can extend its lifespan, save money, and contribute to climate change mitigation.