Aldi fans rave about $10 kitchen item but expert warns it could cause 'food poisoning'

It’s always a thrill when a new Aldi product hits the shelves, and right now, the buzz on social media is all about a seemingly simple $10 fridge organiser coming soon to a middle aisle near you. The handy container popped up in the most recent Aldi catalogue on sale from August 10 and is designed to keep sliced meats and cheeses fresh, featuring four-compartment drawers that make fridge organisation a breeze.

And it's not just the product itself creating a stir; it's the clever tips circulating among Aldi shoppers on how to best use it that have people equally amped up. However, the excitement could be tempered somewhat as a food expert has told Yahoo Lifestyle that the organiser is a "waste of money" and could even result in illness.

Customers rave about Aldi storage solution

“I had one for a few years, and it works very well,” said one delighted customer in a Facebook group. “I can see what’s in there and how much is left.” But it’s not just about making your fridge look tidy—it’s also about getting the most life out of your sliced meats and cheeses. “As long as it’s airtight, it will last,” they added.

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According to another shopper, “This is perfect for making school lunches in the morning. I usually have to pull everything out individually, unwrap it, and pack it back away. This makes it so much easier.”

“The meats will last longer out of the plastic bag and paper too as it won’t sweat, so it does make a big difference,” another happy customer told the group.

"I have the Tupperware one and it was the best thing I've ever bought. The meat lasts for ages," someone else wrote.

How to avoid cross-contamination

While the container’s design has impressed many, Aldi shoppers have also been keen to share their top tips for making the most out of this new addition to their kitchens.

One common piece of advice is to avoid cross-contamination by handling cheese and meat properly.

“The container is airtight, so meat and cheese last, as long as you don’t touch it with bare hands,” advised one savvy shopper. “Our hands, even after washing, have small amounts of natural oils and bacteria.”

This advice is echoed by Dr. Vincent Candrawinata—a food scientist and nutrition researcher- who told Yahoo Lifestyle that he advises "using gloves or proper utensils when transferring cheese and sliced meat to the containers, as handling them with bare hands can introduce contaminants and speed up spoilage."

He also points out that these containers are most suitable for deli-sliced items wrapped in paper, rather than pre-packaged goods from the supermarket.

“To keep your meat fresh for a longer time, wrap it in alfoil,” suggested another Aldi fan.

Adding paper towels to the bottom of the containers to help wick away moisture was another useful tip shared in the group. Wrapping cheeses in baking paper instead of plastic was also recommended, with one person suggesting "If stored correctly you can get up to two weeks out of some deli meats."

While shoppers debated how long various items will last in the Aldi container, most agreed that it is a game-changer for managing fridge space and freshness.

An expert's word of warning

Despite the glowing reviews, Dr. Vincent warns that these containers might not actually be the ultimate solution for extending freshness.

He noted, "For cheese, an airtight or cheese-specific container can help keep moisture in and odours out, preventing mould and drying out. For sliced meat, a container that reduces air exposure will help maintain texture and flavour."

However, he added, "These containers can be a good storage solution for leftover cheese or sliced meats, but they have a lot of CONS and can potentially lead to food poisoning!" He elaborated on key food safety tips to avoid these issues.

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"Avoid layering fresh items on top of old ones, as this can contaminate the new food," he says. "Additionally, labelling containers with use-by dates is crucial, as removing products from their original packaging can lead to confusion and potential spoilage."

Dr Vincent concluded: "This is a waste of time and money – as well as adding unnecessary plastic waste into the landfill. Instead, just use the airtight plastic containers you already have at home."

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