### 7. **Mushrooms and Strong-Smelling Foods**

Mushrooms are highly porous and can absorb odors from nearby foods, such as onions or garlic. To preserve their delicate flavor, store mushrooms in a paper bag in the refrigerator, away from strong-smelling foods. ([southernliving.com][5])

—

### 8. **Cheese and Strong Odors**

Cheese can absorb odors from other foods, which can alter its flavor. To prevent this, store cheese in its original packaging or wrap it tightly in wax paper or plastic wrap. Keep it in a separate compartment or drawer in the refrigerator, away from pungent foods like onions or garlic.

—

### 9. **Leafy Greens and Ethylene-Producing Fruits**

Leafy greens, such as lettuce and spinach, are sensitive to ethylene gas and can wilt or spoil prematurely when exposed to it. Store them away from ethylene-producing fruits like apples, bananas, and tomatoes to prolong their freshness. ([marthastewart.com][2], [askaprepper.com][6])

—

### 10. **Milk and Refrigerator Door**

The refrigerator door is the warmest part of the fridge due to frequent opening and closing. Storing milk in the door can lead to temperature fluctuations, increasing the risk of bacterial growth. Instead, place milk on the middle or bottom shelves, where temperatures are more consistent. ([southernliving.com][1], [nypost.com][7])

—

**Conclusion**

Proper food storage is crucial for maintaining freshness, flavor, and safety. By understanding which foods should not be stored together in the refrigerator, you can prevent spoilage, reduce food waste, and ensure that your meals are both delicious and safe to eat. Always consider the specific needs of each food item and organize your refrigerator accordingly.

[1]: https://www.southernliving.com/where-in-the-refrigerator-should-you-store-raw-meat-7775422?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Where In The Refrigerator Should You Store Raw Meat?”
[2]: https://www.marthastewart.com/8296471/fruits-vegetables-never-store-together?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Fruits and Vegetables That Should Never Be Stored Together”
[3]: https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/6-food-pairs-that-shouldnt-be-stored-together-7202825?utm_source=chatgpt.com “6 Food Pairs That Shouldnt Be Stored Together – NDTV Food”
[4]: https://declutteringmom.com/15-foods-that-should-never-be-stored-together/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “15 Foods That Should Never Be Stored Together -”
[5]: https://www.southernliving.com/foods-never-to-store-together-7568193?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Foods You Should Never Store Together”
[6]: https://www.askaprepper.com/11-foods-that-should-never-be-kept-next-to-each-other/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “11 Foods That Should Never Be Kept Next to Each Other – Ask a Prepper”
[7]: https://nypost.com/2024/11/23/lifestyle/is-your-milk-making-you-sick-where-you-store-it-in-the-refrigerator-matters-bacteria-can-grow/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Is your milk making you sick? Where you store it in the refrigerator matters: ‘Bacteria can grow'”