This is a practice that many people do, especially in summer. But beware, this simple gesture carries some risks, and the following article will tell you about them.

Although cans are a practical way to preserve food, they are not made for the refrigerator. While in the refrigerator we can keep food for months, in the fridge we can only keep it for a limited time. Not to mention the fact that a product is much more exposed to bacteriological hazard once opened.

A good consignment of canned food can save you from more than one trouble in these summer months where it is always useful in case you have guests or you do not feel like cooking. But why is it dangerous to put cans in the refrigerator?

The extraordinary thing about cans is that they usually have a very long expiration date. This means that they can remain in the cabinets for months, or even a year or two in some cases.

However, never put open cans in the refrigerator as this is a serious mistake and a risk to your health. It is the best way to get intoxicated. Opened cans may be contaminated with phthalates.

Specifically, phthalates are chemicals commonly found in food packaging. Once opened, cans should no longer be used as containers. If you have leftover food, it is best to transfer it to another container. A deep dish, bowl or glass canning jars will do.

Phthalates are chemicals used to soften rigid plastics used in a wide range of industrial and consumer products, including some plastic materials approved for food contact. These substances can migrate into the food they contain, so specific limits have been established for their migration. The human health effects of phthalates range from effects on the reproductive system to kidney and liver toxicity.

This is a real advantage for ecology and waste recovery. Using recycled metal to make new cans means less mineral extraction. This means less CO2 emissions into the atmosphere.