What refrigerator temperature is recommended?

• A. 40°F (4°C) or below.
• B. 50°F (10°C).
• C. 60°F (15°C).
• D. 70°F (21°C).

Answer: (A)

Keeping perishable foods cold enough to slow bacterial growth is the key idea here. The recommended refrigerator temperature is 40°F (4°C) or below because at that temperature bacteria grow very slowly, helping food stay safe longer and reducing the risk of foodborne illness. Staying at or below 40°F keeps food out of the temperature danger zone, where bacteria multiply most rapidly. If the fridge is at 50°F, 60°F, or 70°F, perishable items like milk, eggs, raw meat, and leftovers can reach temperatures where bacteria grow quickly, making food unsafe to eat sooner. In practice, many people keep their fridge in the mid-30s to around 40°F to stay comfortably safe.