Brits are being urged to take a simple but crucial step in the kitchen as temperatures soar above 30C, with experts warning that food safety risks rise sharply during heatwaves. This comes as the UK continues to experience a major spell of extreme heat, with temperatures provisionally reaching 37.3C in Santon Downham, Suffolk, on Friday, setting yet another new June record. A rare red weather warning issued by the Met Office has also been extended across London and south-east England until 9pm on Friday.

In extremely hot weather, it’s "important to take extra precautions to keep your food safe", the Food Standards Agency has warned. It says bacteria that cause food poisoning can multiply faster in higher temperatures. Now, one expert has also provided guidance for households on how to correctly store leftovers during a heatwave, urging that cooked meats should be cooled and refrigerated within two hours.

Matthew Glynn, Senior Product Manager at Hisense UK, which sells fridges, freezers, and fridge freezers as well as TVs warned: “With many households turning to BBQs, picky bits and buffet-style dinners during the heatwave, it’s important to be aware of how proper fridge storage can help leftovers stay fresher for longer and reduce unnecessary food waste."

He said that cooked meats need to be cooled and refrigerated within two hours, ideally in airtight containers rather than loosely wrapped in foil or cling film.

According to the FSA, fridges should be kept between 0C and 5C to safely store food and slow bacterial growth, and it has urged households to keep food chilled for as long as possible when shopping and when outside.

Glynn said: "Cooked meats such as burgers, sausages and chicken should be cooled and refrigerated within two hours, ideally in airtight containers rather than loosely wrapped in foil or cling film. Meanwhile, salads, fruits, cheeses and dips are best stored separately in sealed containers to help maintain freshness and prevent odours transferring between foods."

Glynn has provided further tips to help UK households with food storage during the heatwave. Another crucial thing to remember and a common mistake is putting warm food straight into the fridge.

He said: "It is also important to remember to avoid putting warm food straight into the fridge and ensuring there’s enough space around items for cool air to circulate properly.”

Fridge organisation is important during heatwaves.

Glynn said: "Fridge organisation also becomes more important during warmer weather, as households tend to open doors more frequently for cold drinks and snacks.

"Overcrowded shelves can restrict airflow, making it harder for food to chill evenly. Features such as sliding shelves help improve usability during busy summer periods by making it easier to rearrange space quickly, accommodate taller items, and keep air circulating more effectively around stored food."

Some appliances include features designed to maintain more consistent, independent temperatures across different compartments, helping prevent strong-smelling foods from transferring odours and ensuring delicate items stay fresher for longer.

This allows households to more easily separate BBQ meats, salads and chilled sides without flavours mixing, while still keeping everything stored at optimal conditions for taste and quality, the expert explained.