A microwave oven, or microwave, is a kitchen appliance employing microwave radiation primarily to cook or heat food. Microwave ovens have revolutionized food preparation since their use became widespread in the 1970s.

This handy guide from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for Food Safety charts the length of time food should be kept in the refrigerator or freezer. These short but safe time limits will help keep refrigerated and frozen food from spoiling or becoming dangerous. After looking at the chart, I will definitely throw out some of my food.

At least nine people are thought to have suffered food poisoning from a buffet at a staff training day - at Sweden's National Food Administration in Uppsala. There could have been something dodgy in the mussels. But it could also have been caused by poor food handling or refrigeration.