What should I cook if a mouse hangs in the fridge? - briefly
Remove the rodent, thoroughly clean and disinfect the fridge, then make a quick, no‑cook dish—such as a fresh salad or sandwich—using only food that was never exposed. Do not use any items that may have been contaminated.
What should I cook if a mouse hangs in the fridge? - in detail
Discovering a rodent inside the cold storage unit requires immediate action before any cooking begins. First, unplug the appliance, open all doors, and wear disposable gloves. Capture the animal with a humane trap or seal it in a container, then discard it in an outdoor trash bin. Clean the interior with a solution of one part white vinegar to three parts water, scrubbing shelves, drawers, and walls. Rinse with plain water, dry thoroughly, and leave the door open for several hours to air‑dry.
After the fridge is sanitized, choose dishes that tolerate a brief pause in refrigeration without compromising safety. Suitable options include:
- Stir‑fry vegetables and protein: prep ingredients, store at room temperature for up to 30 minutes, then cook quickly over high heat.
- Pasta with sauce: boil water, cook pasta, and simmer sauce on the stovetop; no refrigeration needed during preparation.
- Soup made from fresh stock: bring stock to a boil, add chopped vegetables and meat, simmer until done; the cooking process eliminates any bacterial risk from short exposure.
- Oven‑baked sheet‑pan meals: arrange raw chicken pieces, potatoes, and seasonings on a tray, bake at 200 °C (400 °F) for 25‑30 minutes; the high oven temperature ensures safety.
If the intended dish requires refrigerated ingredients (e.g., mayonnaise‑based salads or raw fish), discard those components to avoid contamination. Use only items that have remained sealed and untouched during the incident.
Finally, reassemble the fridge, restore power, and set the temperature to 4 °C (39 °F) or lower. Perform a visual inspection after 24 hours; any lingering odors or signs of droppings indicate a need for additional cleaning. This protocol eliminates health hazards and enables safe cooking after a mouse intrusion.