When must hot foods placed in a refrigerator for cooling be covered?

The correct timing for covering hot foods placed in a refrigerator for cooling is after they have been cooled. This practice is important because covering hot foods before they have cooled can trap steam and moisture, which may affect the food quality and encourage bacterial growth due to condensation. It is vital to allow hot foods to cool down to a safe temperature in an open environment for the initial cooling phase.

Once the food has cooled, covering it helps protect it from contaminants and prevents the absorption of odors from other foods in the refrigerator. Additionally, this also helps maintain the desired temperature of the food. Proper cooling and covering techniques are critical in food safety to prevent foodborne illnesses.