---
title: "Why You Should Not Store Raw Potatoes in the Refrigerator: Health Reasons Explained"
english_title: "Why Potatoes Should Not Be Stored in the Refrigerator"
publisher: "Truevision English News"
canonical_url: "https://english.truevisionnews.com/news/383741/why-potatoes-should-not-be-stored-in-refrigerator"
published_at: "2026-09-22T07:44:00+05:30"
category: "Health"
language: "en"
image: "https://cf.zdn.im/img/truevisionnews.com/0/image-uploads/6ab1e53ebb80e_why-potatoes-should-not-be-stored-in-refrigerator.jpg"
keywords: ["Potatoes", "Potato Storage", "Refrigerator", "Acrylamide", "Cold Sweetening", "Food Safety"]
---

# Why You Should Not Store Raw Potatoes in the Refrigerator: Health Reasons Explained

> **Lead Summary:** Potatoes are among the most commonly used vegetables in kitchens, and many people store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for longer. However, health experts advise against refrigerating raw potatoes, as low temperatures can cause changes in their natural composition and may have implications when they are later cooked at high temperatures.

## Article Content

Potatoes are among the most commonly used vegetables in kitchens, and many people store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for longer. However, health experts advise against refrigerating raw potatoes, as low temperatures can cause changes in their natural composition and may have implications when they are later cooked at high temperatures.

When potatoes are stored at the low temperatures found inside a refrigerator, a process known as cold sweetening can occur. During this process, some of the starch naturally present in potatoes is converted into sugars. As a result, the amount of natural sugar in the potatoes can increase.

When these refrigerated potatoes are later fried, baked or otherwise cooked at high temperatures, the increased sugar content can contribute to the formation of acrylamide, a chemical compound that can develop during high-temperature cooking. Foods such as potato chips and French fries are among the products in which acrylamide can form during cooking.

However, the presence of acrylamide does not mean that eating refrigerated potatoes will immediately cause serious health problems. The health effects of acrylamide obtained through food consumption in humans are still being studied. Therefore, the information about refrigeration should not be interpreted as meaning that eating a potato kept in the refrigerator will automatically result in a serious health risk.

Instead of keeping raw potatoes in the refrigerator, they should be stored in a cool, dark, dry and well-ventilated place. A kitchen cupboard or pantry away from direct sunlight can be used for this purpose.

USDA guidance also recommends storing potatoes in a dry place rather than refrigerating them. Potatoes should preferably be kept in a way that allows adequate air circulation rather than being stored for long periods in tightly sealed plastic bags.

Can Sprouted Potatoes Be Used?

Sprouting is common when potatoes are stored for an extended period. During sprouting, some of the starch in potatoes is converted into sugar, which can also influence the potential formation of acrylamide during cooking.

For this reason, buying potatoes in large quantities and storing them for long periods may not be advisable. Purchasing them as needed and using them within a reasonable period can be a safer approach.

At the same time, the advice against refrigeration applies to raw potatoes. Cooked or boiled potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator. Cooked potatoes and other cooked vegetables can generally be kept safely in the refrigerator for around 3 to 4 days.

### Related Links & Sources
- [Original Story Source](https://english.truevisionnews.com/news/383741/why-potatoes-should-not-be-stored-in-refrigerator)