SCREENING OF PSYCHROPHILIC FUNGI IN RESIDENTIAL REFRIGERATORS

This study investigated the presence of psychrophilic fungi in residential refrigerators and
their growth behavior under both cold storage and room temperature conditions. A total of 25
refrigerator samples were analyzed for fungal contamination, revealing 133 fungal colonies
under room temperature incubation, predominantly consisting of Aspergillus species, with
Aspergillus niger being the most common (97 colonies, 73% of total). Other species identified
included Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium chrysogenum, and non-sporulating fungi. In contrast,
samples incubated at refrigerated temperatures yielded 91 fungal colonies from 14 species,
with Aureobasidium pullulans emerging as the most prevalent (43 colonies). Non-sporulating
colonies were also common, indicating potential fungal dormancy under cold conditions.
These findings suggest that A. niger is highly adaptable to both cold storage and subsequent
warmer temperatures, making it a dominant species in these environments. This study also
highlights the resilience of certain fungal species, particularly Aspergillus and Aureobasidium,
which can thrive in low-temperature environments typical of residential refrigerators,
potentially posing a risk to food safety. These findings underscore the importance of
maintaining hygiene and proper food storage practices to prevent fungal contamination in
refrigerators. The presence of dormant fungal forms and the ability of some species to adapt
to varied temperatures further stress the need for regular cleaning and monitoring to mitigate
the risks of fungal spoilage and mycotoxin production.