The dark side of refrigeration technology: Bacterial contamination and antibiotic resistance

Household refrigerators are commonly used for food preservation but are potential reservoirs for pathogenic bacteria that may compromise food safety and public health. This review examines bacterial contamination levels in domestic refrigerators and the prevalence of antibiotic resistance (AR) among isolated strains, highlighting key factors contributing to microbial risks. Also, it addresses a critical gap by synthesizing scattered findings on bacterial contamination and resistance in household refrigerators, offering a broader public health perspective. We reviewed studies reporting on the isolation, identification, and antibiotic susceptibility of bacteria found in refrigerators. Articles covering bacterial contamination exclusively, even if they included fungal data, were considered, with sources accessed via Google Scholar. Our findings revealed high contamination rates on refrigerator interior surfaces, with shelves being the most frequently contaminated part. Diverse bacterial genera were identified, including Salmonella , Pseudomonas , Listeria , and Staphylococcus , which are associated with foodborne illnesses and pose significant health risks. Notably, many isolates demonstrate resistance to antibiotics like ampicillin, penicillin-G, nalidixic acid, streptomycin, and tetracycline, underscoring the potential role of refrigerators as reservoirs for AR pathogens. Factors such as temperature fluctuations, poor cleaning habits, and cross-contamination contribute to bacterial proliferation and AR development. This review highlights a gap in standardized guidelines for refrigerator hygiene and AR monitoring in domestic settings. We recommend future research on cleaning practices, storage conditions, and consumer guidelines to mitigate risks. Limited attention has been given to microbial quality in commercial, industrial, medical, and laboratory refrigerators, presenting an avenue for investigation. Limitations include variability in study designs and geographic focus, which may affect generalizability. Our conclusions emphasize the need for public health interventions addressing microbial contamination and AR in household refrigerators. • Synthesizes global evidence on bacterial contamination and antibiotic resistance in refrigerators. • Identifies shelves as the most frequently contaminated refrigerator part. • Reports high prevalence of pathogenic genera linked to foodborne illnesses. • Highlights widespread resistance across multiple antibiotic classes . • Recommends regular cleaning and guidelines to minimize contamination and antibiotic resistance risks.