[](https://www.eufic.org/en/food-safety/article/what-foods-should-or-not-be-stored-in-the-fridge)

**Never Store These Together in the Fridge: A Comprehensive Guide to Food Storage**

Maintaining the freshness and longevity of your food involves more than just setting the right temperature on your refrigerator. Certain foods release gases, absorb odors, or require specific conditions to stay fresh. Improper storage can lead to accelerated spoilage, loss of flavor, and even foodborne illnesses. In this guide, we’ll explore common food pairings that should never be stored together in the fridge and provide tips on optimal storage practices.

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### 1. **Raw Meat and Ready-to-Eat Foods**

Raw meats, including poultry and seafood, should always be stored on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. This placement prevents any potential drips or leaks from contaminating other foods. It’s essential to store raw meats in sealed containers or on trays to further minimize the risk of cross-contamination. Ready-to-eat foods, such as salads, fruits, and cooked dishes, should be placed on the upper shelves to avoid contact with raw meat juices. ([southernliving.com][1])

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### 2. **Onions and Potatoes**

Storing onions and potatoes together can lead to premature sprouting and spoilage. Onions release moisture and gases that can cause potatoes to soften and sprout. Conversely, potatoes emit moisture that can cause onions to become moldy. Both should be kept in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, but separately. ([marthastewart.com][2])

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### 3. **Apples and Carrots**

Apples produce ethylene gas, which can cause carrots to lose their crispness and become limp. To maintain the freshness of both, store apples and carrots in separate drawers or containers in the refrigerator. ([food.ndtv.com][3], [declutteringmom.com][4])

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### 4. **Tomatoes and Cucumbers**

Tomatoes emit ethylene gas, which can accelerate the ripening and spoilage of cucumbers. To keep cucumbers crisp and tomatoes flavorful, store them separately. It’s best to keep tomatoes at room temperature and cucumbers in the fridge. ([declutteringmom.com][4], [food.ndtv.com][3])

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### 5. **Bananas and Other Fruits**

Bananas are significant producers of ethylene gas, which can cause nearby fruits to ripen and spoil faster. To extend the shelf life of other fruits, store bananas away from them. If you want to speed up the ripening of other fruits, placing them near bananas can be effective. ([declutteringmom.com][4])

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### 6. **Garlic and Fresh Herbs**

Garlic has a strong odor that can be absorbed by fresh herbs, compromising their flavor. Store garlic in a cool, dry place away from herbs. Fresh herbs should be kept in the refrigerator, preferably wrapped in a damp paper towel or placed in a container with a bit of water. ([food.ndtv.com][3])

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