Which refrigeration practice helps maintain food safety and proper temps?

Which refrigeration practice helps maintain food safety and proper temps?

• A. Keep at 41°F (5°C) or below
• B. Keep at 60°F (15°C)
• C. Store raw meats on the top shelf
• D. Open the refrigerator door frequently

Answer: (A)

Maintaining the right refrigeration temperature is key to keeping foods safe, because it slows or stops the growth of harmful bacteria. Keeping food at 41°F (5°C) or below keeps most microbes from multiplying quickly, helping prevent foodborne illness and preserving quality. If things sit around 60°F (15°C) or warmer, foods enter the danger zone where bacteria can grow rapidly, increasing the risk of illness. Also, how you arrange and handle foods matters: raw meats should be kept from dripping onto ready-to-eat foods, so placing them on the bottom shelf is safer than the top, and opening the fridge door frequently lets warm air in, raising temperatures and letting bacteria grow for longer.

Maintaining the right refrigeration temperature is key to keeping foods safe, because it slows or stops the growth of harmful bacteria. Keeping food at 41°F (5°C) or below keeps most microbes from multiplying quickly, helping prevent foodborne illness and preserving quality.

If things sit around 60°F (15°C) or warmer, foods enter the danger zone where bacteria can grow rapidly, increasing the risk of illness. Also, how you arrange and handle foods matters: raw meats should be kept from dripping onto ready-to-eat foods, so placing them on the bottom shelf is safer than the top, and opening the fridge door frequently lets warm air in, raising temperatures and letting bacteria grow for longer.