Refrigerator Temperature and Food Safety Guidelines

Maintaining proper refrigerator temperature is essential for food safety. Understanding optimal settings protects your family's health.

Recommended Temperatures

Refrigerator

Ideal: 37°F (3°C)

Acceptable range: 35-38°F

Never above: 40°F

Freezer

Ideal: 0°F (-18°C)

Acceptable: -5°F to 5°F

The Danger Zone

40°F to 140°F is the danger zone where bacteria multiply rapidly:

Food left in danger zone > 2 hours should be discarded

At 90°F+, discard after 1 hour

Temperature Fluctuations

Normal Fluctuations

±3-5°F during defrost cycles

Brief rises when door opens

Concerning Fluctuations

Temperature above 40°F for extended periods

Cannot maintain set temperature

Wide swings (>10°F) regularly

Monitoring Temperature

Built-in Display

Not always accurate

May show air temperature, not food temperature

Appliance Thermometer

Place in center of refrigerator

More accurate reading

Inexpensive insurance

Food Storage Times (at proper temperature)

Refrigerator

Raw meat: 1-2 days

Cooked meat: 3-4 days

Eggs: 3-5 weeks

Opened milk: 5-7 days

Freezer (0°F)

Ground meat: 3-4 months

Steaks: 6-12 months

Poultry: 9-12 months

If Power Goes Out

• Keep doors closed
• Full freezer: 48 hours safe
• Half-full freezer: 24 hours
• Refrigerator: 4 hours