Stop Storing Milk and Eggs in the Refrigerator Door! Common Mistake Revealed by Health Authority

When opening a home refrigerator, many people habitually place fresh milk in the largest compartment on the door and individually store eggs in the built-in egg tray. While this may seem convenient and logical, from a food preservation standpoint, both items are unsuitable for long-term storage on the refrigerator door. The Ministry of Health and Welfare's Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) warns that the refrigerator door experiences frequent temperature fluctuations due to repeated opening and closing. Eggs should be kept in their original packaging and stored inside the refrigerator, while milk and other dairy products should be placed on the upper shelf of the refrigerated compartment. The refrigerator door is better suited for bottled beverages and condiments, which are less sensitive to short-term temperature changes.

Why shouldn't milk and eggs be stored on the refrigerator door? The key issue is temperature fluctuation. Many refrigerator doors come with built-in egg trays and large bottle compartments, leading people to naturally place eggs and milk there. However, the door is one of the most temperature-unstable areas in the refrigerator because it directly contacts warmer room air each time it's opened. Frequent opening and closing throughout the day causes food on the door shelves to experience repeated temperature changes.

In its publication 'Smart Refrigerator Organization for Safer Food Storage,' the TFDA states that due to high opening frequency, the door's internal temperature fluctuates easily. Therefore, it recommends storing items less affected by temperature changes—such as bottled drinks and condiments—on the door. Household refrigerators should maintain a refrigeration temperature between 0°C and 7°C, and freezing temperatures below -18°C.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA FSIS) also warns that each time the refrigerator door opens, it is exposed to warmer air, making the door shelves more prone to temperature fluctuations. Perishable foods are therefore unsuitable for long-term storage in this location.

Where should eggs be stored in the refrigerator? The TFDA recommends 'keeping eggs in their original packaging and storing them inside the refrigerator.' Many people remove eggs from their carton after purchase and transfer them one by one to the door-mounted egg tray. However, the TFDA advises the opposite. Eggs should remain in their original packaging and be stored inside the main compartment to avoid the temperature fluctuations near the door, reducing the risk of microbial growth.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also recommends storing eggs in their original carton at or below 40°F (approximately 4.4°C). The USDA FSIS further advises placing eggs on interior shelves rather than the door, as the door is repeatedly exposed to warmer air during openings, causing greater temperature variation. Therefore, even if your refrigerator door has egg-shaped indentations, that doesn't make it the ideal storage location. It's better to keep eggs in their carton and store them inside the refrigerated compartment.

Where should milk be stored? The TFDA recommends placing dairy products on the 'upper shelf of the refrigerated compartment.' Milk is often placed on the door shelf, especially large bottles, which fit conveniently in the door's largest compartment. According to the TFDA's refrigerator storage guidelines, dairy products and cooked foods should be placed on the upper shelf, separated from raw foods, and consumed promptly.

The TFDA has previously emphasized that leftover fresh milk should be properly stored below 7°C to maintain quality and safety. Therefore, the key to milk storage isn't necessarily finding the 'coldest spot' in the refrigerator. Since airflow and cooling designs vary by brand, capacity, and model, the safest approach is to follow the TFDA's advice: store dairy products on the upper shelf and avoid leaving them on the temperature-sensitive door for extended periods.

For long-life milk (shelf-stable milk), unopened containers can be stored at room temperature as indicated on the label, avoiding direct sunlight and high temperatures. Once opened, it should be consumed quickly and stored according to package instructions.

What should be stored on the refrigerator door? Condiments and bottled drinks are more suitable. Since eggs and fresh milk are not recommended for the door, what should go there? The TFDA suggests placing bottled beverages and condiments—items less sensitive to brief temperature changes—on the door. Some opened sauces, condiments, or drinks requiring refrigeration after opening are also more suitable for this area than highly perishable items like eggs and milk. When organizing your refrigerator, remember this principle: the more a food requires stable low temperatures, the less suitable it is for long-term storage on the door.

How should refrigerator contents be arranged? The TFDA's guide to proper layered storage. Beyond milk and eggs, other ingredients shouldn't be randomly stuffed into the refrigerator. The TFDA emphasizes that refrigerators primarily inhibit microbial growth through low temperatures—they don't sterilize food. Therefore, proper packaging, zoning, and storage methods are equally important. According to the TFDA's storage guidelines, foods can be organized by category:

Upper shelf of refrigerated compartment: Dairy products, cooked foods. Fresh milk and other dairy products, as well as cooked meals, should be placed on the upper shelf, separated from raw foods to reduce cross-contamination risks.

Interior of refrigerator: Eggs. Eggs should be stored in their original packaging inside the main compartment, avoiding the door area.

Vegetable compartment: Vegetables, fruits. Vegetables and fruits can be stored in their original packaging or in breathable bags inside the vegetable drawer. Leafy greens can be wrapped in paper towels to absorb excess moisture.

Meat and seafood: Portion-controlled storage, separation of raw and cooked. Meat and seafood should be wiped dry of surface blood before being portioned and frozen. Raw and cooked foods should be stored separately to prevent raw juices from contaminating other items.

Refrigerator door: Bottled drinks, condiments. Due to temperature fluctuations from frequent door openings, this area is best for items less affected by short-term temperature changes.

Don't overfill the refrigerator! Blocking air vents disrupts cold air circulation. Overcrowding is another common issue. The TFDA warns against overfilling the refrigerator, as sufficient space is needed for proper air circulation, and air vents must not be blocked. Overfilling can disrupt airflow, leading to uneven temperatures in different areas.

The refrigerator is not a 'permanent freshness box.' The TFDA recommends using the 'first-expire, first-out' principle to manage food, regularly checking expiration dates, and cleaning and defrosting the refrigerator at least once a month. If food develops sour or spoiled odors, meat turns grayish-brown or dull, or cooked food develops a slimy texture or white spots, caution is needed. Just because food has been in the refrigerator doesn't mean it's safe to eat. The next time you organize your fridge and see a row of eggs or a large milk bottle on the door, consider rearranging them.

Sources: Ministry of Health and Welfare Food and Drug Administration, 'Drug Food Safety Weekly Report' No. 1034, 'Smart Refrigerator Organization for Safer Food Storage,' July 11, 2025. Ministry of Health and Welfare Food and Drug Administration, Guidelines on Fresh Milk Storage. Ministry of Health and Welfare Food and Drug Administration, Guidelines on Shelf-Stable Milk Storage. U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA FSIS), 'Is it safe to store eggs in the door of a refrigerator?' U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 'What You Need to Know About Egg Safety.'