The Refrigerator Temperature Matters

Thermostat inside refrigerator.To keep food from spoiling in the refrigerator, the temperature needs to be between 34 F and 40 F.

The refrigerator temperature matters. Not having the right refrigerator temperature could make you sick. Used correctly, your fridge will keep food safe from spoilage and bacteria. 

Used incorrectly, it could cause big trouble. Your refrigerator could make you sick. Which is why the refrigerator temperature matters. A lot.

The temperature and food storage guidelines below can help your fridge function at its best.

Check the Refrigerator Temperature Regularly

The refrigerator temperature needs to be between 34 F and 40 F to keep food from spoiling. You can't depend on the little gauge (1-5) in the refrigerator. Buy a refrigerator thermometer.

The refrigerator temperature matters because some parts of your fridge are colder than others. The meat compartment at the bottom of your fridge is designed to store meat - so keep it there.

Not only is this the coldest area, but if the package leaks, it won't contaminate other foods.

The door is the warmest part of the appliance. This is the best place for nonperishables (sodas), not perishables (eggs).

Refrigerated Food Safety Tips

  • Don't put hot food in the fridge. Bring it to room temperature before chilling it. Hot foods can cause the interior temperature to drop.
  • On the other hand, don't leave food out too long, either. Refrigerate prepared food within two hours of cooking (one hour in summer).
  • Don't overload the refrigerator. Parties are a dangerous time because you cram a lot of stuff into the fridge, and then you're continually opening the door, causing the refrigerator temperature to fluctuate significantly. Turn the temperature down during these occasions.
  • Cover foods tightly.
  • Leave meats in their original packaging to prevent spreading bacteria.
  • Don't store bread, cookies, or most cakes in here. They will become stale.
  • If you lose power, do not open your freezer or fridge doors. If the door is not opened, food should keep eight hours in the refrigerator and 48 hours in the freezer.

The Refrigerator Temperature Matters - How Long Refrigerated Foods Keep

Refrigerator filled with fresh food.The refrigerator temperature matters.

Refrigerating foods helps keep them fresh, but they still won't last forever. Here are some examples of how long it's safe to keep some foods.

Food

  • Cooked vegetables
  • Fresh vegetables
  • Poultry, fish, ground meats
  • Other meats
  • Deli meats
  • Hot dogs
  • Milk
  • Sour cream
  • Fresh eggs
  • Condiments

How Long It's Safe

  • 3-4 days
  • 2 to 14 days 
  • 1 to 2 days
  • 3 to 5 day 
  • 5 days
  • 1 week opened; 2 weeks unopened
  • 5 to 7 days
  • 4 weeks
  • 3 weeks
  • 1 to 6 months (opened in the fridge)

The best advice when it comes to your refrigerator and food safety: When in doubt, throw it out. A little thriftiness is not worth a tummy ache. 


You Might Like These:

  • Kitchen food safety tips. Contaminated food is the worst. These kitchen food safety tips can help ensure your family is safe at mealtime,

    Kitchen Food Safety Tips

    Kitchen food safety tips. Contaminated food is the worst. These kitchen food safety tips can help ensure your family is safe at mealtime,

  • Cleaning small kitchen appliances. You keep a nice clean house. But how long has it been since you cleaned your coffee maker - or any other small kitchen appliances?

    Cleaning Small Kitchen Appliances

    Cleaning small kitchen appliances. You keep a nice clean house. But how long has it been since you cleaned your coffee maker - or any other small kitchen appliances?

  • Kitchen safety tips for cooking dinner. Keep germs and bacteria in check - and out of your food - with these kitchen safety tips. When it comes to your family's health, you can never be too careful.

    Kitchen Safety Tips for Cooking Dinner

    Kitchen safety tips for cooking dinner. Keep germs and bacteria in check - and out of your food - with these kitchen safety tips. When it comes to your family's health, you can never be too careful.

  • Hey! You're not the only one chowing down in here. How can you and the pets peacefully coexisit in the kitchen? Create a kitchen pet feeding center.

    Kitchen Pet Feeding Center

    Hey! You're not the only one chowing down in here. How can you and the pets peacefully coexisit in the kitchen? Create a kitchen pet feeding center.

  • Kitchen food storage tips. No pantry? No problem. Kitchen food storage is as simple as organizing a few large cabinets close to your refrigerator and stove.

    Kitchen Food Storage Tips

    Kitchen food storage tips. No pantry? No problem. Kitchen food storage is as simple as organizing a few large cabinets close to your refrigerator and stove.

  • Used correctly, your refrigerator provides safe food storage. Used incorrectly, it could cause big trouble. These fridge food storage tips can help.

    Fridge Food Storage Tips

    Used correctly, your refrigerator provides safe food storage. Used incorrectly, it could cause big trouble. These fridge food storage tips can help.

  • Kitchens are a potluck of dirt, grease, and germs. This 7 step kitchen cleaning begins with decluttering, and ends with mopping your way out the door.

    7 Step Kitchen Cleaning

    Kitchens are a potluck of dirt, grease, and germs. This 7 step kitchen cleaning begins with decluttering, and ends with mopping your way out the door.

  • What does the "sell by" date on a food label really mean? How long is it good after that date? Here's help for deciphering a food label.

    Deciphering A Food Label

    What does the "sell by" date on a food label really mean? How long is it good after that date? Here's help for deciphering a food label.