If you regularly stock your fridge with leftovers, fresh fruit, meat and vegetables you will already know that keeping on top of your fridge content can be difficult.

However, keeping on top of your fridge and knowing what you can save and what should be thrown away can be simple.

Temperature

Your fridge should be kept at the temperature of 5 degrees C or below, thermometers specially designed for fridges are cheap to buy and can provide an accurate reading.

Spokesperson for the Food Standards Agency (FSA) said: "Keeping your fridge at 5C or below prevents harmful germs from growing and multiplying. Ensure food has cooled down before you put it in the fridge and don’t overfill your fridge as it allows air to circulate and maintains the set temperature."

Use by Dates

Use by dates is found on foods that go off quickly such as meat products, smoked fish and ready-prepared salads. If food and drink has gone over the use by date (even if it looks and smells fine) throw them away, as it is a health risk using food and drink that has gone over the use by date.

Keep it Clean

Keeping your fridge clean is important as it stops bacteria growing in your fridge and contaminating the rest of your food. This can be done by wiping away spills before they have chance to dry, also wipe away rims of jars and containers before storing.

You should also seasonally clean your fridge, which can be done using hot water and two tablespoons of baking soda to wipe down the interior, rinse with a damp cloth and then dry with a towel. Avoid using detergent or soaps as they can leave behind a scent which will be absorbed by the food.

Meat

Storing meat correctly is important as it prevents food poisoning and bacteria spreading, raw meat and cooked meat should always be separate in the fridge.

The correct measure to store raw meat and poultry is to store in clean sealed containers and wrapped or covered properly on the bottom shelf, this helps to avoid the meat juices contaminating the rest of the food.

Vegetable & Fruit

It’s best to keep vegetables and fruits in original packaging before putting them into the fridge, as it lasts longer than it would if stored in a fruit bowl. Fruit and vegetables like pineapples, bananas, onion and potatoes are better stored outside the fridge. To store half eaten citrus fruits, wrap in cling film before putting them into the fridge.