You probably know that keeping your food cold is essential for preventing spoilage and foodborne illnesses. But how cold is cold enough? And what happens if your refrigerator temperature is too high or too low? In this blog post, we’ll answer these questions and more. We’ll also give you some tips on how to measure and adjust your refrigerator temperature for optimal food safety and quality.
Is 45 degrees a safe temperature for a refrigerator? The answer is no, it’s too high.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the danger zone for food is between 40°F and 140°F. This is the temperature range where bacteria can grow rapidly and cause food to spoil or become unsafe to eat. The FDA recommends that you keep your refrigerator temperature at or below 40°F and your freezer temperature at or below 0°F.
If your refrigerator temperature is above 40°F, you’re putting your food at risk of spoiling faster and potentially causing food poisoning. Bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria can multiply quickly in warm temperatures and contaminate your food. Some of these bacteria can cause serious illnesses, especially for young children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
The ideal refrigerator temperature is between 35°F and 38°F. This recommendation teeters above freezing — no ice crystals or frozen foods here! — yet below the danger zone. This temperature range is as close as you can get to freezing without being so cold that your food will freeze. It’s also as close as the refrigerator temperature should get to the 40°F threshold, at which point bacteria begin multiplying rapidly.
Keeping your refrigerator temperature in this range will help preserve the freshness, flavor, texture, and nutrients of your food. It will also extend the shelf life of your food and reduce food waste. For example, milk can last up to a week longer if stored at 37°F instead of 41°F.
Unfortunately, not all fridge temp gauges are accurate. You may have your fridge set to 37°F, but it’s actually keeping temps around 33°F or even 41°F. It’s not uncommon for refrigerators to be a few degrees off the mark you set.
The best way to know the actual temperature of your refrigerator is to use an appliance thermometer. These are inexpensive devices that you can place inside your fridge or freezer and read the temperature on a display or dial. You can find them online or at most hardware or grocery stores.
To measure your refrigerator temperature, place the thermometer in a glass of water in the center of the middle shelf. Wait at least 5 hours or overnight before reading the thermometer. To measure your freezer temperature, place the thermometer between frozen packages in the center of the freezer. Wait at least 2 hours before reading the thermometer.
If the thermometer shows that your refrigerator or freezer temperature is too high or too low, you can adjust it using the control knob or panel on your appliance. Depending on the model, you may need to turn the knob to a higher or lower number or use a digital display to set the desired temperature. Check the manual for specific instructions.
After adjusting the temperature, wait at least 24 hours before checking the thermometer again. Repeat the process until you reach the ideal range of 35°F to 38°F for the refrigerator and 0°F or below for the freezer.
Now you know why 45 degrees is not a safe temperature for a refrigerator and what you can do to keep your food cold and safe. By following these simple tips, you can prevent foodborne illnesses, reduce food waste, and enjoy your food at its best quality.
