The importance of refrigerator temperature

Checking the temperature in your refrigerator is not something that's done on a schedule. Instead, there is usually something you notice about the food in your fridge that makes you realize that it is probably time to change the temperature. The importance of refrigerator temperature can't be over emphasized.

USDA recommendations

The purpose of keeping things in the refrigerator is to keep bacteria from growing and therefore to increase the shelf-life of food. The refrigerator does not stop the growth of bacteria, it just slows it down. According to the  USDA, bacteria begins to grow when the temperature is 40 F and above. The freezer will stop the growth completely, but not every type of food responds well to freezing (and then there's the inconvenience of having to thaw out your food before eating it).

The internal temperature of your fridge should be set between 35 and 38 F, which is 1-3 degrees C. It is important that you actually place a thermometer in your fridge from time to time to be sure that it is actually maintaining the correct temperature. You can't always count on your stored items to let you know when they have not been maintained at a low enough temperature.

Signs you need to change the temperature

There are clues that may alert you to the need to change the temperature in your refrigerator. You might notice that your milk doesn't taste cold enough, for example.

It isn't always about the temperature being too high.There are times when the fridge may be too cold. If you grab the orange juice and it is frozen in the container or your delicate fruits and vegetables are frozen solid, you may have the temperature set too low. It is a delicate balance to find just the perfect temperature to keep your food and drinks safe but also keep them from freezing.

Test the internal temperature periodically

The USDA recommends that you actually test the internal temperature of your refrigerator. To measure the temperature in the refrigerator, place an appliance thermometer in a glass of water and put the glass in the center of the fridge. Check on it after five to eight hours. If the temperature is higher than 40 degrees, you need to lower the setting on your fridge. If it is lower than 32 degrees, then you need to raise it a notch. There are some refrigerators that have built-in thermostats so you won't need to do the test, just check the temperature.

Everyone wants their food to be safe to eat and to stay cold and fresh as long as possible. Maintaining the perfect temperature in your refrigerator will help that to happen. If you have never worried about setting the temperature, it is probably time to locate the setting and see what it is in your fridge.