Kunal Kohli’s Kitchen ‘Raid’ Joke Raises A Question: How Safe Is The Food In Your Fridge? Expert Explains

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Filmmaker Kunal Kohli recently gave a humorous twist to the conversation around food safety when he suggested that Maharashtra FDA officials should also inspect Indian home kitchens. Kohli jokingly asked FDA chief Tukaram Mundhe to "raid" kitchen shelves and refrigerators, pointing to the expired food items that often remain forgotten at home.

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While Kohli's comment was made in jest, it brings up a genuinely important question: When does forgotten food stop being safe to eat? A half-cut vegetable, yesterday's leftovers, an opened jar or food that has been sitting in the refrigerator for days may not always show obvious signs of spoilage.

Mugdha Pradhan, Functional Medicine Practitioner, Certified Breathwork Practitioner, and Founder & CEO of iThrive, explains what to keep, what to check, and what to throw out when forgotten food lingers in your refrigerator.

When Is Forgotten Food Still Safe To Eat?

We all have that one corner of the refrigerator where food gets forgotten. A half-cut vegetable, yesterday's leftovers, an open jar, or something we bought with the intention of eating but never got around to. The question is: When is it still food, and when is it better to let it go?

Mugdha says the first rule is quite simple: Don't ever rely only on how something looks or smells. Perishable foods can at times become unsafe even before there are obvious signs of spoilage. Cooked food, especially, should not be kept indefinitely just because it still appears normal.

Leftovers are best stored promptly in clean, covered containers and then kept refrigerated rather than sitting at room temperature for long periods. If something has been forgotten for several days and you cannot confidently remember when it was prepared, it is better not to take the risk. "When in doubt, discard it," she says.

Why Leftovers May Matter For People Sensitive To Histamine

There is another consideration for people who are particularly sensitive to histamine. Mugdha explains that histamine can accumulate in certain foods as they are stored, particularly in protein-rich foods and leftovers, even when the food still looks perfectly normal.

For someone with histamine intolerance or sensitivity, eating these foods may trigger symptoms such as bloating, headaches, flushing, itching, nasal congestion, digestive discomfort, or a racing heartbeat. This is why some people may feel perfectly fine eating freshly prepared food but notice symptoms after consuming leftovers that have been sitting in the refrigerator for a few days. If you know you are sensitive to histamine, freshness and storage time become particularly important, she adds.

A Wilted Vegetable Is Not Necessarily Spoiled

Fresh produce needs a slightly different approach. Mugdha points out that a vegetable that is beginning to wilt is not necessarily spoiled. If it is simply losing freshness but has no mold, unusual smell, sliminess or obvious deterioration, it may still be perfectly usable after being cleaned and properly cooked.

But mould is a different story, like if you see visible mould on a soft or high-moisture food, don't simply cut around the affected portion. It is safer to discard the entire food.

"The same applies to leftovers with an unusual smell, texture, colour, or visible mould. Don't taste questionable food just to check whether it is still safe," she says.

How You Organise Your Refrigerator Also Matters

Another important consideration, according to the functional medicine practitioner is how we organise the refrigerator. Foods that need refrigeration should actually be refrigerated, and raw foods should be kept separate from ready-to-eat foods to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Keeping smaller portions in airtight containers also makes it easier to see what you have and prevents food from getting forgotten.

What Does Your Refrigerator Say About Your Eating Habits?

Mugdha also encourages people to look at what they are stocking. Is your refrigerator primarily filled with fresh protein, vegetables, fruits and whole foods, or is it packed with sauces, packaged snacks, sugary drinks and highly processed convenience foods?

This matters because your environment influences your choices. If the easiest thing to grab is ultra-processed food, that is often what you will reach for when you are hungry or tired.

Give Your Refrigerator A Weekly Reset

"A simple weekly refrigerator reset can make a huge difference," Mugdha says. Bring older foods to the front, use what needs to be consumed first, freeze appropriate foods before they spoil, and avoid buying more fresh food than your household can realistically eat.

Sometimes The Healthiest Choice Is To Let Food Go

And remember, healthy eating isn't about having a picture-perfect refrigerator. It is about eating food that is fresh, nourishing and appropriate for your body, while reducing unnecessary waste.

Photo Credit: Magnific

Mugdha's final reminder is simple: "Sometimes the healthiest thing you can do with your refrigerator isn't add another 'superfood.' It's simply cleaning it out, knowing what you're eating, and letting go of what no longer belongs there."

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.