Health and food safety experts are raising alarms about the recent social media craze known as ‘fridgescaping,’ which draws inspiration from the popular series Bridgerton. This trend, prominent on TikTok, encourages users to adorn their refrigerators with fresh flowers, mirrors, and decorative items alongside food products. However, the Food Standards Agency warns that this practise poses serious health risks. Storing food near these non-food items can lead to cross-contamination and decrease the overall freshness and lifespan of the groceries.
@lynziliving Wow, this was a project! It took about four hours of my Sunday morning to give the refrigerator a full clean, organize and style. Here are some of my thoughts. 1. I’m unsure if this is sustainable, but I love it so much, so I’m going to give it a serious try! For the first time ever I can see all my produce, so I think this will lead to less waste and maybe also less shopping. 2. This would be literally impossible for anyone with kids unless you never allow them to touch your refrigerator. 😂 I also know in the past because of my mental health I would have never been able to keep up with this. 3. I vowed I would not be a person who would trash parts of items to fit the aesthetic. Any overflow is in the back alongside some items I use less. This meant buying pitchers that held the same fluid ounces of the things I topically buy, like juice and cold brew. It also meant splitting some things into two (like the Brussels sprouts) and creatively organizing (like the mushrooms). That also meant something leftover, such as my half cucumber, needed a home. It was another place I needed a creative solution, so now I have some cucumber slices prepped for other things in a spare Harry Potter jar that I never use anyway. 4. Adding the flowers was a cheerful touch that will generally cost me nothing. I bought flowers this time because I wanted more around the house, but in the future I’ll just grab some from the garden. 5. This process made me realize I tend to buy duplicates of things because I didn’t realize I already had some waiting. Like, as much as I like Old Croc cheese, I did not realize I had so much. I’m embarrassed. I also saw I had some very unnecessary food waste, like a package of celery that went bad before I’d even opened it. 🤦🏻♀️ 6. You could easily thrift some of the storage items and it would probably be even prettier than this and more special. Overall I actually love this, but we’ll see how I do with it in the long run. In the meantime I’ll probably open my refrigerator 20 times a day just to look at it. #fridgescaping #refrigeratororganization #organizationideas #satisfyingvideos #satisfyingcleaning @HomeGoods @Wayfair @Amazon Home @Temu @LG Electronics USA @Anthropologie @magnolia @Walmart @ShopRite Stores ♬ Concerto No. 2 in E major, Op. 8, RV 269, "Summer": III. Presto. Tempo Impettuoso d'Estate – Baroque Festival Orchestra & I Musici Di San Marco
Despite the aesthetic appeal, influencers are beginning to voice their concerns. Cleaning expert Laura Mountfard commented that while the presentation may look lovely, it fails to enhance daily life. “You can find various acrylic storage solutions that promote cleanliness without compromising food safety,” she noted in a recent interview.
Additionally, TikTok influencer Shabaz Says has dismissed the trend as elitist and impractical, jokingly questioning who would think to place ornamental items in their fridge. As this trend gains attention, experts urge consumers to prioritise health over aesthetics and rethink their food storage habits.
@shabazsays #Duet with @nalae.co Its 2023 so everyone’s fridges must look the same right? #povvogang #funny #comedy #react #reaction #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #commentary #trending #viral #trich #richlife #money #asmr #fridge #asthetics #satire ♬ original sound – Shabaz Says
