Topics:

• What causes water or condensation to form inside food containers placed in the refrigerator?
• Water inside sealed storage containers
• Why is moisture forming inside glass or plastic containers or plastic storage bags?

Answer:

Condensation or moisture inside food storage containers is normal. Water vapor in the air trapped in the container when it is sealed forms condensation. Water vapor condenses on the coldest surface first. When a container is placed in a refrigerator, it cools from the outside in, making the inside surface of the container the coldest surface where condensation forms.

• Minimize the amount of condensation by reducing the amount of air in the packages:
  • Fill containers to the top.
  • Use vacuum packing.
  • Place items into the refrigerator and allow to cool without a lid for an hour before sealing.
• It is safe to eat food that has condensation inside the container, as long as the food has not gone bad.
• Excessive condensation may make the food soggy.
• Freezer burn and excessive condensation are different than normal condensation. See also:
  • Freezer Burn on Food
  • Excessive Moisture, Frost, or Condensation in Refrigerator