STORING UP TROUBLE

The way you store your food can have surprising effects for health. This week: Beware of melted ice cream IT MIGHT surprise you to learn that re-frozen ice cream can be a source of food poisoning.

‘Ice cream melts at approximately -0.5c, and when it does, harmful bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes, associated with severe food poisoning, can grow and thrive in the sugary environment,’ says food hygiene specialist Sylvia Anderson, from Anderson Food Hygiene. ‘Refreezing thawed ice cream is safe only if it’s just slightly melted and has been kept under proper refrigeration.’

It’s important the ice cream hasn’t been exposed to the outside environment. So if you’re planning to buy ice cream, take a cool bag to bring it home in and transfer it straight to the freezer.