A FOOD hygiene expert has revealed why you should never keep eggs in the fridge door.

The debate about where to store eggs has been running for years, with some saying the fridge, while others have insisted it’s better to keep them at room temperature.

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A food hygiene expert has revealed why you should never keep eggs in the fridge door, as it makes them spoil faster[/caption]

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Instead, keep eggs on the middle shelf to ensure they last longer[/caption]

But now one pro has settled things once and for all – by saying they absolutely SHOULD be kept in the fridge.

In addition to that, Melissa Kilcoyne revealed there’s a specific place in the fridge that’s optimum for eggs.

“Place dairy products, eggs and packaged food that doesn’t require cooking on the middle shelves, as the temperature is slightly cooler here,” Melissa, Business Development Manager from certified online training course provider, Virtual College, said.

But if you are keeping your eggs in the fridge door, you’re making a major mistake, Melissa warned.

That’s because it’s the warmest part of the fridge, due to being frequently opened and closed, meaning that if products like eggs are kept there, they are more likely to spoil faster.

But the door is the perfect spot for items with natural preservatives, such as sauces and drinks – as they’re more inclined to survive despite any fluctuations in temperature.

As for the rest of the shelves in the fridge, the top should be used for “ready-to-eat foods such as cooked meats, sandwich fillings and leftovers as they won’t drip down and contaminate other items”.

If you’ve put leftovers on the top shelf, they can last up to four days, Melissa said.

While the lowest shelf in the fridge is the coolest part, meaning it’s the best place for “raw meats and fish should be stored”.

And don’t forget to put them in sealed containers to “minimise the chances of cross-contamination”.

To complete your fridge organisation, use the drawers for fruit and vegetables.

“Just make sure to keep them separated as some fruits such as peaches, plums and pears can produce gas that makes vegetables rot at a faster pace,” Melissa added to Express.co.uk.

It’s also vital to regularly check for any mould, as dangerous bacteria can lead to serious illness if it’s ingested.

“The majority of condiments that haven’t been opened can be stored at room temperature in a cupboard, but once they have been opened, they should always be stored in a fridge,” she said.

“Shelves in the door are ideal for this kind of item, but otherwise you should store open condiments at the top of a fridge.

“Make sure to clear these out every few months, to ensure they are not producing mould spores, which become airborne.”

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THE Winter Fuel Payment has been scrapped for millions of pensioners – but other help is at hand if you’re set to miss out.

Ministers have made the up to £300 payment means-tested with only those on certain benefits qualifying this year.

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Energy firms offer struggling customers grants[/caption]

The decision, branded “harmful” by the Conservative Party chairman, means around 10million previously eligible will not be this winter.

But if you are part of the cohort who won’t be getting the top up, there is other help on offer from energy firms.

From grants if you’re struggling to cover the cost of your bills, to free electric blankets here is all the help you can get over the new few months from each of the energy firms.

British Gas

British Gas has set aside £200million to support customers facing financial hardship through its Energy Support Fund.

Customers qualify for grants worth up to £2,000.

To be eligible, customers must be seeking a grant to clear an outstanding debt on a current gas, electricity or dual fuel energy account relating to their main residence.

The debt to be cleared must be between £50 and £1,700.

Customers will only be eligible for one grant in a 12 month period and must be in, or facing, fuel poverty.

You must also have received help from a money advice agency within the last six months.

ScottishPower

ScottishPower customers can get help via its Hardship Fund.

You may qualify for help if you receive support from one of the following benefits:

• Income related Employment and Support Allowance
• Income based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income Support
• Housing Benefit
• Universal Credit
• Child Tax Credits
• Working Tax Credits
• Pension Credit Savings Credit (PCSC)

You could be in line for help if you are on a low income or suffering from an illness that has impacted your earnings.

If your application is successful the fund will wipe all or part of your debt.

To apply contact a recognised debt advice agency such as Step Change online or via phone on 0800 138 1111.

EDF

EDF’s Consumer Support Fund provides grants to support vulnerable customers struggling with energy debt.

Grants are given to help clear debt as well as to provide essential white goods, such as fridges or cookers.

You can apply to the scheme through EDF’s Let’s Talk website.

However, you need to have taken independent advice before you can apply for funding.

You will also need to provide your EDF account number, current debt balance and details of your household finances and vulnerability.

Utilita

Utilita Giving is the charity partner of Utilita offering vulnerable customers grants to help clear energy debt.

The charity operates a number of schemes with its Helping Hand Fund curently open for applications.

The fund provides grants to wipe or reduced energy debts.

You apply via the charity’s website and have to provide details of your gas or electricity debt, as well as your household finances, including benefits and pensions.

Utility Warehouse

Utility Warehouse offers financial assistance payments of up to £140 to customers about to go into debt, or those who have run out of credit on their prepayment meter.

The scheme is operated by Citizens Advice Plymouth, which also helps Utility Warehouse customers with budgeting advice and benefits assessments.

Details of how to access support can be found on its site.

Octopus

Octopus Energy customers can apply to its Octo Assist fund for support.

The fund offers pensioners discretionary credit worth between £50 and £200 and also benefit checks to make sure customers are getting the payments they are entitled to.

The energy firm also supports customers with free electric blankets, thermal imaging cameras and advice on cutting energy bills and budgeting.

The Octo Assist Fund has already helped 80,000 customers who were struggling financially.

You can apply online on the Octopus website.

E.ON

E.ON’s Next Energy Fund provides grants to customers struggling with energy debts and replaces appliances that are broken or in poor condition.  

Applicants will be asked to supply proof of household income, including evidence of your entitlement to benefits, pension details and confirmation of any medical conditions.

Before you receive help, you’ll also need to show that you’re committed to being financially stable by making regular payments over a three-month period.

Customers can apply online on the provider’s site.

OVO Energy

OVO Energy is giving out £50million worth of support to customers from October 1.

The energy firms’ package of support includes payment holidays for prepayment meter customers, free energy-saving products and direct financial support.

The support each customer will receive depends on their specific circumstances.

Customers can check on OVO’s website now to see if they qualify for support.

Make sure you have your monthly disposable income and up-to-date meter reading to hand beforehand.

Other help you can get with energy bills

Priority Service Register

The Priority Services Register is a free support service offered by energy firms to help customers who need extra help with their energy and water bills.

Some of the help you can get includes priority support in the case of an emergency, advanced notice of scheduled power cuts and regular meter reading services to ensure you are paying the correct amount.

You can also get help moving your prepayment meter if it is located in a place that’s not safely get to and account information and bills in braille or large print.

You qualify for the register if you are of state pension age, pregnant or with young children, or if you struggle speaking or reading English.

More information about the register can be found on the Ofgem website.

Prepayment meter vouchers and credit

You can get temporary credit from your supplier, although it has to be paid back.

In many cases, suppliers offer around £10 to £20 if you run out and can’t top up straight away to ensure that you don’t go without heat or lights.

You may also be able to get a fuel voucher.

This is a code given to you in a letter, text message or email which you can use to add credit to your gas card or electricity key. 

Exactly how much it is can vary, but in many cases it’s £49, and you won’t have to pay it back.

Speak to your local Citizens Advice branch or local council about getting one of the vouchers.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

LIVERPOOL icon Jamie Carragher has recalled the moment he knew his England career was over.

The 46-year-old stepped back from international duty in 2007 to focus on his club career.

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Jamie Carragher has recalled the moment he decided to quit international football[/caption]

Times Newspapers Ltd

Carragher stepped away from international football in 2007 but briefly returned three years later[/caption]

Carragher had earned over 30 caps for the Three Lions but decided to quit after being moved from centre-back to right-back prior to a match against Brazil.

The ex-defender opened up about his experience in the latest episode of the Stick to Football podcast by Sky Bet and recalled the moment he told then-manager Steve McClaren.

He said: “The first game that England played in the new Wembley was against Brazil. All week in training I was in centre-back.

“Rio must’ve been out, so I was thinking to myself that I just played in the Champions League final, Liverpool’s player of the year.

“However, they get to the Friday and then I’m playing right-back suddenly and someone else was in centre-back. They played the game and, on the way, home in the car, I knew that I was done with England.

“We still had another game midweek, so we went home for the night and came back. But I knew I didn’t want to play anymore on that journey back.

“I came back for the second game, and then I wasn’t even right-back, it was Wes Brown instead which was fine but that’s when I was done.

“Steve McClaren came to me and said that he would play me the next game. I told him not to because it would feel fake, and I didn’t want that. If I’m being totally honest, I didn’t love being away.

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“I was probably aged 29 then and I thought that if I’m not going away with England and I get myself ready for Liverpool, I can win that fight and finish my career at Liverpool. That was the biggest thing for me, to just stay at Liverpool.”

Carragher also admitted he was considered too small to be a centre-back throughout his career, which hindered his England hopes.

He added: “The problem that I think I have is that when people look at me, they don’t think centre-back. I’m quite small for a centre-back. Some people might have looked at me and thought otherwise.

“But if you look at England, Rio [Ferdinand] is 6’3 and lightning quick. Sol Campbell is massive. Even though I was playing well for Liverpool, my own stature and physicality probably didn’t help me in terms of picking me instead of someone else.

“I was always seen as the squad man at England. I could be a right-back, come in at centre-back or they could take an extra striker to fill in. I get that but my problem was when John Terry and Rio weren’t playing.

“I won the Champions League in 2005, in 2006 we kept 33 clean sheets. We [Liverpool] were tough to play against and were good defensively.

“I will never forget this. There’s four of us, and I remember either Rio or John Terry went down. There was panic on the bench, and someone shouted, “Sol get ready!” I was like, ‘F***ing hell’.”

Despite announcing his retirement in 2007, Carragher returned to the England set-up three years later due to injuries in the squad.

He appeared for the Three Lions at the 2010 World Cup but permanently retired after the tournament.

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