Here are the foods that do and don't need to be refrigerated

To refrigerate or not to refrigerate, that is the question.

Okay, so maybe Hamlet didn't say those exact words, but it's certainly a topic many have pondered.

The FDA recommends refrigerating or freezing perishable foods right away. Meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, and certain kinds of produce should never be kept at room temperature for more than two hours, or not more than one hour if the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. But what about bread, or tomatoes, or honey?

Fear no more: We've put together a list of all the items you should or should not store in the fridge, so you'll never have to wonder again.

(Note: This is not intended as a substitute for public-health recommendations.)

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Eggs: Yes

You should always refrigerate eggs in the US to prevent the risk of infection from salmonella bacteria, according to the USDA. But the UK and other European countries don't refrigerate eggs, because the eggs are processed differently.

Some people say you can keep certain organic eggs at room temperature, but when in doubt, it's probably safest to keep 'em in the fridge.

Butter: Optional

The USDA recommends refrigerating butter, and freezing butter if you're not going to use it within one to two days. But many people keep butter in a covered dish outside the fridge. Since it's made from pasteurized milk, it's less likely to grow bacteria, according to the blog Care2.

Tomatoes: No

If tomatoes are kept in the fridge, they lose their flavor. That's because the cold air stops them from ripening and breaks down their cell membranes, giving the fruit that characteristic mealy taste.

See the rest of the story at Business Insider

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