Fisher & Paykel E522BLE2 User manual

US CA
Installation instructions
and User guide
Active Smart™ refrigerator
Réfrigérateur Active Smart™ Instructions d’installation
et Guide d’utilisation

English Page 1 – 24
Français Page 25 – 48

1
Contents
Safety and warnings 2
Installation instructions 4
Moving or storing your refrigerator 8
Ice & Water refrigerators –
please refer to supplement Ice & Water User Guide
Active Smart™ operating instructions 9
Active Smart™ special features 11
Cleaning care 13
Storing food in your refrigerator 16
Storing food in your freezer 18
Problem solving checklist 20
Limited warranty 22
Important!
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
The models shown in this User Guide may not be available in all markets and are
subject to change at any time. For current details about model and specification
availability in your country, please visit our local website listed on the back cover
or contact your local Fisher & Paykel dealer.
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CA
Important!
This User Guide is to be used for all refrigerator/freezers. It contains all the general information
required for the operation of your refrigerator/freezer.
A User Guide is provided with the Ice & Water refrigerator. This booklet contains additional
specific information about the ice and water functions on the refrigerator

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Safety and warnings
WARNING!
Electric Shock Hazard
Read and follow the SAFETY AND WARNINGS outlined in this User Guide
before operating this appliance.
Failure to do so can result in death, electric shock, fire or injury to persons.
Use this appliance only for its intended purpose as described in this User Guide.
Warning
When using this appliance always exercise basic safety precautions including the following:
Danger

This appliance is not intended for use by young children or infirm persons without supervision.

Young children should be supervised to ensure they do not play with the appliance.

Risk of child entrapment. Before you throw away your old refrigerator or freezer:
–Take off the doors
–Leave the shelves in place so that children may not easily climb inside.
Disposal

Extreme care must be taken when disposing of your old appliance to avoid hazards. The
refrigerant gas must be safely removed and for the safety of young children, remove doors.

Your Fisher & Paykel Appliances Authorized Service Center will be able to give advice on
environmentally friendly methods of disposing of your old refrigerator or freezer.
Electrical

This appliance must be properly installed in accordance with the installation instruction before
it is used.

Never unplug your refrigerator by pulling on the power cord.

Always grip the plug firmly and pull straight out from the outlet.

Do not plug in any other appliance at its power point or use extension cords or double adapters.

Repair or replace immediately all electric service cords that have become frayed or otherwise
damaged. Do not use a cord that shows cracks or abrasion along its length or at either the plug
or appliance end.
If the power supply cord is damaged, it must only be replaced by your Fisher & Paykel Appliances
Authorized Service Center because special purpose tools are required.

When moving your appliance away from the wall, be careful not to roll over or damage the
power cord.

Unplug your refrigerator before cleaning or replacing the lightbulb.

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Safety and warnings
Important!
Your refrigerator is designed to operate for many years without the need for service checks.
However, if your refrigerator is malfunctioning, have it attended to by your
Fisher & Paykel Appliances Authorized Service Center as soon as possible. All electrical repairs
must be carried out by an adequately trained service technician or qualified electrician.
Storing food and drinks

Never store volatile or flammable materials in your refrigerator or freezer as they may explode.

Never freeze liquids in glass containers. Liquid expands during freezing, which may cause the
container to explode.

Never freeze carbonated drinks. They may explode.

Do not consume food if it is too cold. Food removed from the freezer compartment may be cold
enough to cause damage when brought into contact with bare skin e.g. frozen ice cubes.
Power failure – food safety

Do not refreeze frozen foods that have thawed completely. Follow the recommendations below if
you discover food in your freezer has thawed:
1) Ice crystals still visible – food may be refrozen but should be stored for a shorter period than
recommended.
2) Thawed but refrigerator cold – refreezing generally not recommended. Fruits and some
cooked food can be refrozen but use as soon as possible. Meat, fish, poultry – use immediately
or cook then refreeze. Vegetables – discard as they usually go limp and soggy.
3) Thawed but warmer than 41°F/5°C – discard all food.

Do not refreeze frozen foods that have thawed completely. The food may be dangerous to eat.
Important!
Cleaning

Many commercially available cleaning products contain solvents which may attack plastic
components of your refrigerator or freezer and cause them to crack. Please refer to the cleaning
care section of this booklet for further advice.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

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Please follow the steps for installation to ensure your appliance operates correctly.
1. Power

The appliance must be installed so the plug is accessible.

To ensure that the appliance is not accidentally switched off, connect your refrigerator or freezer
to its own power point. Do not plug in any other appliance at this power point or use extension
cords and double adaptors, as the combined weight of both power cords can pull the double
adaptor from a wall outlet socket.

For power requirements, refer to the information on the serial plate located at the front bottom
right-hand side of the refrigerator when the door is open.

It is essential that the appliance be properly grounded (earthed).
2. Location

Your refrigerator or freezer should not be located in direct sunlight or next to any heat
generating appliance such as a range or dishwasher.
Installation instructions

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3. Ventilation and installation

To ensure adequate ventilation for your
refrigerator or freezer see recommended
cabinetry dimensions below.

If building the appliance into a cupboard, follow
installation instructions provided with the
integration kits.
Cabinetry dimensions (inches / mm) (including minimum clearances) E522B
A inside height 68⁄ / 1735
Flush with refrigerator chassis – full door rotation
B inside width 32⁄ / 830
C inside depth 24⁄ / 620
Flush with refrigerator door – full door rotation
D inside width 33⁄ / 860
E inside depth flush to curved door 26⁄ / 675
F inside depth flush to flat door 27⁄ / 690
Flush with refrigerator door – 90° door rotation
(for full drawer/shelf access, the doors need to be open past 90°)
G inside width 35⁄ / 900
H inside depth flush to curved door 26⁄ / 675
I inside depth flush to flat door 27⁄ / 690
Minimum clearances
J side clearance ⁄ / 20
K side clearance – hinge side flush with door – full rotation 2 / 50
L side clearance – hinge side flush with door – 90° rotation 3⁄ / 90
M rear clearance (incl. evaporator tray) 1⁄ / 30
N vent (above refrigerator cabinet or around top of cupboard) 2 / 50
O door clearance – hinge side flush with chassis – full rotation 25⁄ / 645
P door clearance – hinge side flush door – full rotation 24⁄ / 615
Installation instructions
Flush with refrigerator chassis
– full door rotation
Flush with refrigerator door
– full door rotation
Flush with refrigerator door
– 90° door rotation
O
P
O
P
O
P

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4. Installation
Your Fisher & Paykel Active Smart™ refrigerator is fitted with
front and rear rollers, designed for moving the product in
the forwards and backwards direction.
Avoid moving the product in a sideways direction as this
may damage the rollers or the floor covering/surface.
A
Your refrigerator will arrive with the front feet wound up
making moving the product into its final location a simple
task.
B
Roll the refrigerator into its final position making sure there
is the correct air gap between the product and surrounding
cabinetry. See minimum clearance in cabinetry dimensions
table (refer to page 5).
5. What to do if your product is unstable
C
Gently push the refrigerator back until the rear rollers
contact the floor.

Measure the gap under the front foot, which has come
off the floor.

Obtain some solid packing material (hardwood,
plastic, etc) which fits firmly into the gap under the foot.
Note: do not use metallic materials that may corrode,
stain and/or damage floor coverings.
D
Wind both front feet up and roll the product out
of position.

Place the packing material in the location diagonally
opposite the front roller that lifts off the floor.

Make sure the packing material stays in place when the
product is pushed back into position.

Ideally, the packing material is large enough to rest
against the back wall so as to prevent it moving when
the cabinet is pushed into position.
Installation instructions
Lower the front
of the refrigerator
Fig.1 Refrigerator feet
Raise the
front of the
refrigerator
This foot lifts off the floor when
top front is gently pushed back
Example only
Unlevel floor
Fig 2.Unstable refrigerator

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Installation instructions
Wall behind refrigerator
For example: if this foot lifts off
the floor when pushing gently on
the top front of the refrigerator
Packing material goes under rear roller
diagonally opposite front foot that lifts
Fig.3 Stabilizing your refrigerator
E
Roll the refrigerator back into position and adjust front feet as per step
D . (Check alignment and
door closing action are satisfactory).

Make small adjustments to front feet where necessary.

Check that the product is stable (all 4 feet are on the floor). If not return to step C and repeat
steps
D and E .
Before placing food in the fresh food or freezer compartments

Remove all packaging. Ensure that all transit clips are removed from the refrigerator. These are
small rubber stops located at the back of the shelves.

Allow the refrigerator and freezer to run empty for 2 – 3 hours to allow each compartment to
cool to the appropriate temperature.

Clean the inside of the appliance with warm water and a little liquid detergent to remove
manufacturing and transportation dust.

The appliance may have an odor on its initial operation, but this will go when the refrigerator
and freezer have cooled sufficiently.
Energy efficiency
For the most energy efficient use of your appliance:

Ensure your refrigerator has adequate ventilation as recommended in the installation
instructions.

Do not cover your appliances with any material that will prevent air from flowing around the
cabinet sides.

Allow good clearances in front of the air ducts within the cabinet for maximum cold
air distribution.

Cool hot foods down before placing them in the appliance.

Do not overfill the compartments.

Keep door openings to a minimum.

Select a temperature setting that isn’t too cold.

Check your door seals for leaks.

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Moving or storing your refrigerator
If your refrigerator or freezer is turned off for any reason, wait 10 minutes before turning it back
on. This will allow the refrigeration system pressures to equalise before restarting.
Moving your refrigerator

Turn off the appliance and unplug from the power point. Remove all food.

Turn the adjustable feet to the right as far as they will turn (see page 6).

Ease the refrigerator out of its position. Tuck the power cord away and tape the doors closed.
Tape the shelves in place. If the cabinet needs to be placed at an angle or laid down, carefully lay
it on its side (the right hand side when viewed from the front).

Relocate and install. If the appliance has been left on its side for any length of time, leave it
standing upright for at least 10 minutes before turning on.
Storing your refrigerator or freezer

When storing your cleaned appliance, leave the door(s) open. This allows air to circulate and
prevents the build up of bacteria and moulds.

Before using again, clean well using a mixture of warm water and baking soda (add 1 teaspoon
of baking soda to each 1 pint (500 ml) of water). Rinse with clean water.
Vacation time

We recommend you leave your refrigerator or freezer operating while you are on vacation.

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Active Smart™ operating instructions
For information on the operation of the Ice & Water control panel please refer to the
Ice & Water User Guide.
Temperature control

When the refrigerator is first turned on, the powerful cooling system will automatically cool both
refrigerator and freezer compartments to their set temperatures. This will take between 2 – 3 hours.

The two compartment temperatures are accurately and independently controlled and do not
change with the temperature or humidity of the surroundings; whether summer or winter.

If you wish to alter the temperature of either the fresh food compartment or freezer
compartment, this can be easily done by using the Control panel located at the back of the fresh
food compartment.
Control panel to adjust temperatures
Fresh food and freezer
compartment indicator
Compartment
select button
Increase temperature button
Decrease temperature button
Temperature indicator
(thermometer)
Fresh food compartment

The fresh food compartment light on the refrigerator diagram will be showing. The temperature
indicator illustrated by a thermometer will show the temperature setting for this compartment
as a series of lights.

The temperature may be altered by pressing the or buttons. One press on either of these
buttons will produce a dimmer light which indicates a small change in temperature.

Pressing either button twice gives a brighter light and indicates a greater change in temperature.
Fewer lights on the thermometer means a cooler temperature for the compartment selected.
Freezer foods compartment

To adjust the freezer temperature press the button until the light flashes on the freezer
compartment indicator.

The freezer temperature can be altered by pressing the or buttons.

One press on either of these buttons will produce a dimmer light which indicates a small change
in temperature. Pressing either button twice gives a brighter light and indicates a greater change
in temperature.
Note: successively pressing the button will automatically select between the compartments,
a return to the fresh food compartment will be accompanied by a longer beep.

When the door is reopened the control panel will return automatically to the fresh food
compartment setting.
Fig.4 Control panel

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Active Smart™ operating instructions
Sabbath mode

To activate Sabbath mode, open both the fresh food and freezer compartment doors and then
hold the button on the temperature control panel for 10 seconds.

Both the fresh food and freezer compartment indicators will be illuminated indicating the
refrigerator is in Sabbath mode.
When the product is in Sabbath mode:

The fresh food and freezer compartment indicator lights will be illuminated.

The light will not operate when the door is opened.

The door alarm will not operate.

The display will not function except to indicate Sabbath mode is active as stated above.

Opening the door will not affect the compressor or fans.

If the power to the refrigerator is turned off whilst in this mode, the product will continue in
Sabbath mode when the power is restored.

Sabbath mode will automatically de-activate 80 hours after activation.

To de-activate earlier than 80 hours press the compartment select button on the temperature
control panel for 10 seconds.
Normal refrigerator sounds
Active Smart™ refrigerators, with their excellent energy ratings and cooling performance, can
produce sounds somewhat different to your old refrigerator.
Normal operational sounds include:

Fan air flow sound. Active Smart™ refrigerators have fans which change speed depending on
demand. During cooling periods, such as after frequent door openings, fans circulate the
cold air in the refrigerator and freezer compartments producing some air flow sound. This is
quite normal.

Cracking or popping which may sound like ice coming off the evaporator. This occurs when the
defrost function is operating.

Running water sound. This is the liquid refrigerant in the system and can be heard as a boiling or
gurgling noise.

An audible hissing sound after closing the freezer door. This is due to the pressure difference
between the warm air that has entered the cabinet and suddenly cooled, and the outside
air pressure.

Other strange sounds may be heard for the following reasons:
– Cabinet not level
– Floor uneven or weak
– Bottles or jars rattling on shelves

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Active Smart™ special features
Fruit and vegetable bins and humidity control lid
The vegetable bins feature a unique lid which provides two functions:

The humidity lid seals the bins and provides a humid microclimate to extend storage times of
fruits and vegetables.

The humidity lid prevents condensation, which forms at high humidities from dripping down
onto the fruit and vegetables by retaining it in the grooves of the lid.
Fruit and vegetable bins and humidity slide

Each fruit and vegetable bin has a humidity adaptor control that can be adjusted to fruit or
vegetables depending on what is stored in the bins.

If possible try to store fruit and vegetables separately. This will help extend their storage life.

If there is a mixture of fruit and vegetables in the bin adjust the position of the control to the
center.

If there is too much water in the bins the control can be adjusted towards the setting with fewer
drips (fruit setting) and/or the water can be wiped out as required.

Remember a small amount of water in the bins is beneficial for fruit and vegetable storage.
Fig.5 Humidity Control graphic
Salad greens

Lettuce

Spinach

Broccoli

Cabbage

Carrots
Mixed fruit
& vegetables
Fruit with
skin/peel

Oranges

Lemons

Limes
SUITABLE FOR:
Ice trays and lid

To empty the ice cubes into the lid, hold the tray and lid together and twist to dislodge the cubes.

Refill the ice tray with water, place lid containing ice cubes on top and store in the freezer.

Ice cubes are best stored in a closed container or plastic bag as they readily absorb odors and
tastes from other foods.

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Active Smart™ special features
Bottle holder (where fitted)

Your refrigerator will come with 2 – 4 single bottle holders (depending on what model
refrigerator you have). The bottle holders can be used to store a variety of bottles.

To position the bottle holder in your refrigerator, simply slot the back edge of the bottle holder
onto the back trim of any shelf in the fresh food compartment.

Unused bottle holders can be stacked up on top of one another so they do not take up
unnecessary shelf space.

Bottles are best stored with the neck of the beverage facing the front of the refrigerator.
Door alarms

If the fresh food compartment door is left open the refrigerator will beep after 90 seconds.

If the freezer door is left open the refrigerator will beep after 60 seconds.

While either door remains open, subsequent beeps will sound every 30 seconds for 5 minutes.

A continuous alarm will sound if the door has been left open for 5 minutes or longer and the
interior light will turn off.

The alarm will stop when the door is closed.
Fault alarms

If the electronic controller detects a fault from which it is unable to recover an alarm will sound.

When the fresh food compartment door is opened a fault code (specific pattern of lights) will
flash red and green on the Control panel to alert you to the fault. The audible alarm will stop
when any button is pressed but the lights will remain flashing.

If such a fault occurs, call your Fisher & Paykel Appliances Authorized Service Center
immediately; the fault code will help the service person find and remedy the cause of failure.

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Cleaning care – exterior/interior
Exterior
Stainless exterior door

It is important when cleaning the exterior door surface of your refrigerator, to only use liquid
dishwashing detergent dissolved in warm water.

Dry the door with a clean, lint free cloth.

The use of any abrasive or stainless steel cleaners and solvents will damage the door surface.
Other exterior surfaces

Clean all other exterior surfaces with warm water and detergent.

If necessary, clean the magnetic door gasket with an old toothbrush, warm water and detergent.
Water Evaporator Tray

The water evaporator tray is found above the compressor at the back of the refrigerator or
freezer. The tray may require infrequent cleaning.

Carefully move the refrigerator or freezer out from the wall.

Switch off the appliance.

We do not recommend that you remove the evaporator tray. If cleaning is required, excess water
can be soaked up from the evaporator tray using a sponge. Wipe out with warm water and
detergent or disinfectant.

Switch on the appliance.
Interior

It is important to keep the interior of the refrigerator and freezer clean to help prevent food from
becoming contaminated during storage.

The amount and types of food stored determines how often cleaning should be carried out
(ideally once every 1 to 2 weeks) in the refrigerator.

Remove the shelves from cabinet and door. Wash shelves and storage bins in warm water and
detergent; rinse in clean water and dry before replacing.

Wipe over the interior surfaces with warm water and detergent or baking soda dissolved in warm
water (add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to each 1 pint (500mls) of water). Rinse with clean water.

To help remove “old stale refrigerator” smells add a few drops of vanilla essence or vinegar to the
water before cleaning.

Clean exterior surfaces with warm water and detergent. Use a toothbrush for the magnetic
door gasket.

Do not use harsh, abrasive cloths or cleaners or highly perfumed, strong smelling cleaners or
solvents on any part of the refrigerator or freezer.

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Cleaning care – special features
To remove trays

For ease of removal, empty food from
tray/bin first.

Hold the center front of the tray/bin
handle.

Lift vertically to unclip from the runners
and pull tray/bin towards you to remove.

Push runners back into refrigerator.
To replace trays

With the runners pushed back into the refrigerator, place the tray/bin on top of the runners.
Push the tray/bin back slowly until you feel it clip back onto the runners.
Important!

Ensure that trays and bins are securely clipped onto the runners before use.

Bin and tray runners are pre-lubricated, and will not need to be re-lubricated during their life. Do
not attempt to clean grease from the runners, as this will affect their ability to function. Do not
immerse runners in water.
Interior
Glass shelves
Clean with warm water and detergent or a glass cleaner. If cleaning the shelves without
removing from the cabinet use only warm water and detergent as a glass cleaner can damage
the plastic components of your refrigerator.
Important!
Many commercially available cleaning products contain solvents that may attack the plastic
components of your freezer and cause them to crack. It is important to use only warm water and
a small amount of liquid dishwashing detergent on any plastic components inside and outside
your freezer. Avoid using anti-bacterial cleaning products on either the interior or exterior of the
cabinet as they may cause rusting of metal components and cracking of plastic components.
Fig.6 Tray removal

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Cleaning care – special features
Humidity Control System
Important!
When cleaning the shelf above the vegetable bins,
we recommend that you do not disassemble the
Humidity Control System from the shelf.
In the event that the humidity control lid (plastic
lid) and humidity slides become separated from the
glass shelf, follow these instructions to reassemble.
1 Turn shelf upside down
2 To attach humidity slides onto shelf
front corners, fit bottom clips into shelf
front trim. Next, slide sideways towards
shelf until arm clips onto glass.
3 To attach humidity control lid – with
text facing you, align lid with front of
shelf. Hold lid vertically and fit front
end into retainer on shelf. Ensure lid
fits into retainer as well as underneath
humidity slides.
4 At the sides of the shelf, adjust
humidity slide tabs so that the plastic
lid is between the shelf and the tabs.
5 If clips on back of shelf are present,
fasten lid with rear clips. Ensure that
the cover is fully secure at front and
back of shelf.
Humidity Slides
Retainer
Fig.7 Humidity Control System cleaning

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Storing food in your refrigerator
Storing fresh, perishable foods in your refrigerator helps to extend storage times. The cold
temperatures slow down the major causes of food spoilage – namely, the growth of bacteria,
moulds and yeasts, and chemical and physical reactions.
Fresh food care
The quality of food before it is placed in the refrigerator is critical to successful storage. For
best results:

Select foods that are very fresh and of good quality.

Buy only the amount that you will use within the recommended storage time. If you buy extra,
plan to freeze it.

Ensure that food is well wrapped or covered before it is stored. This will prevent food from
dehydrating, deteriorating in color or losing taste and will help maintain freshness. It will also
prevent cross-flavoring. Vegetables and fruit need not be wrapped provided they are stored in
the vegetable bins of the refrigerator.

Make sure that strong smelling foods are wrapped or covered and stored away from foods such
as butter, milk and cream which can be tainted by strong odors.

Refrigerate fresh, perishable foods as soon as possible after purchase. If left at room temperature
for any length of time the rate of deterioration will be accelerated.

Avoid placing food directly in front of air outlets, as it may freeze. Cold air needs to circulate to
maintain safe food storage. Do not open the refrigerator door unnecessarily.

Cool hot foods down before placing them in the refrigerator. This should be done quickly.
It can be aided by placing the container of food in a bowl of ice and water; renew the ice as
necessary. (Note also that hot containers may damage shelves and wall of the refrigerator).

Store raw and cooked food in separate containers or packaging to prevent cross contamination.
In addition:

Keep the refrigerator clean. Wipe the inside walls and shelves frequently (refer to Cleaning Care)
and place only clean containers in the refrigerator.

Keep a close check on the quality of food in your refrigerator. Discard any food that shows
signs of spoilage. Pay particular attention to meat, fish and poultry, as these foods are highly
perishable. Use food within the recommended storage times.
Dairy foods and eggs

Most pre-packed dairy foods have a recommended use by/best
before/best by’ date stamped on them. Store them in the refrigerator
and use within the recommended time.

Butter can become tainted by strongly flavored foods so it is best
stored in a sealed container.

Eggs should be stored in the refrigerator. For best results, especially
when baking, remove the eggs from the refrigerator two hours
before they are to be used.

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Storing food in your refrigerator
Red meat

Place fresh red meat on a plate and loosely cover with waxed paper or
plastic wrap or foil.

Store cooked and raw meat on separate plates. This will prevent any
juices lost from the raw meat from contaminating the cooked product.

Delicatessan meats should be used within the recommended storage time.
Poultry

Fresh whole birds should be rinsed inside and out with cold running
water. Dry and place on a plate. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or foil.

Poultry pieces should also be stored this way. Whole poultry should never
be stuffed until just before cooking, otherwise food poisoning may result.

Cool and refrigerate cooked poultry quickly. Remove stuffing from
poultry and store separately.
Fish and seafood

Whole fish and fillets should be used on the day of purchase. Until
required, refrigerate on a plate loosely covered with plastic wrap, waxed
paper or foil.

If storing overnight or longer, take particular care to select very fresh
fish. Whole fish should be rinsed in cold water to remove loose scales
and dirt and then patted dry with paper towels. Place whole fish or fillets
in a sealed plastic bag.

Keep shellfish chilled at all times. Use within 1 – 2 days.
Precooked foods and leftovers

These should be stored in suitable covered containers so that the food
will not dry out.

Keep for only 1 to 2 days.

Reheat leftovers only once and until steaming hot.
Fruit and vegetable bins

Although most fruit and vegetables keep best at low temperatures, take
care not to store the following at temperature of less than 7°C for
long periods: citrus fruit, tropical fruit, tomatoes, cucumbers.

Undesirable changes will occur at low temperatures such as
softening of the flesh, browning and/or accelerated decaying.

Do not refrigerate avocados (until they are ripe), bananas, mangoes
or pepinos. If possible store fruit and vegetables separately. ie. fruit
in one bin and vegetables in the other.

18
US
CA
Storing food in your freezer
The use of temperatures of 0°F (-18°C) or colder to store food means that the food can be kept
for longer periods than when refrigeration temperatures are used. This is because the growth
of bacteria, moulds and yeasts are stopped, and chemical and physical reactions are severely
restricted at very low temperatures.
Frozen food care
For best results:

Choose only high quality foods that freeze well.

Store at 0°F (-18°C) or colder. Take care to maintain this low
storage temperature e.g. try to avoid opening the freezer door
unnecessarily. If your ice cream is soft you are running your freezer
too warm.

Leave space at the top of containers, glass jars or plastic bags
containing liquids or semi-solid foods. These expand as they freeze. Usually 1” (2 – 5cm) head
space is recommended. Seal. Ideally, remove all the air from the package after food is frozen.

Packages or containers of solid foods should have the air removed from them and be sealed
tightly before freezing.

Freeze immediately and as quickly as possible. Freeze only small quantities of food at any one
time. For best results we recommend that only 2.2lb (1kg) of food be frozen per 0.9 cu. ft (25 L)
freezer capacity. (About 7 lb (3 kg) in small freezers and 9 lb (4kg) in larger freezers). For faster
freezing, we recommend that fresh food is placed at the top of the freezer compartment close to
the air vent.

Do not pile frozen food around the fan cover. It can prevent adequate air circulation.

Thaw foods preferably in a refrigerator, or using a microwave oven or multifunction oven.

Keep a constant turnover of food. Use older items of food first. Do not exceed recommended
storage times.

Use good quality freezer proof packaging to maintain food quality.

If food is only covered in plastic film place inside a freezer-proof plastic bag.
Recommended freezer storage times
These times should not be exceeded.
Months
1Bacon, casseroles, milk
2Bread, ice-cream, sausages, pies – (meat and fruit),
prepared shellfish, oily fish
3Non oily fish, shellfish, pizza, scones and muffins
4Ham, cakes, biscuits, beef, chops and lamb
6Poultry pieces, butter, vegetables (blanched), eggs whole
and yolks, cooked crayfish, minced meat (raw), pork (raw)
12 Fruit (dry or in syrup), egg whites, beef (raw), whole
chicken, lamb (raw), fruit cakes