One little degree...

A refrigerator should be set to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower to effectively inhibit the growth of bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses like salmonella, E. coli, and listeria, which thrive at warmer temperatures (beginning at 41 degrees).

When, if ever, did you check the temperature of your refrigerator?

This information is brought to you by me realizing a brief power outage had reset my refrigerator to 41 degrees.

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ninalanyon · 61-69, T

How about having a food supply chain that doesn't deliver food contaminated with E. Coli, salmonella and listeria in the first place!

And don't keep raw meat for so long?

I do have a colour changing sticker in my fridge that shows Ok when the temperature is low enough but mostly I don't worry much about it because raw meat is generally bought on the day or the day before it is to be used.

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SunshineGirl · 36-40, F

@Convivial Seriously, you should be able to do these things. I was brought up on raw cows and sheeps milk and I have never once been poisoned. We have been conditioned into thinking that these bacteria are inevitable, but they have come about as a result of cost cutting and poor husbandry. Once you have tried unpasteurised you will never be able to go back 😌

SunshineGirl · 36-40, F

@ninalanyon Hmm . . controversial one that 🦡

Convivial · 26-30, F

@SunshineGirl maybe you're right...I think you're far closer to farm life then I am... But I agree you with about poor practices designed to save money... And yes, in looking you mad cow disease

shakemeup · 36-40

I keep a thermometer in my fridge. I check it often. Everyone should really do this for safety.

Ontheroad · M

@shakemeup yep, this is something we should all check on frequently.

TexChik · F

We actually have a thermometer in the fridge and freezer because food poisoning would really wear me out more than most. We keep our fridge at 36 and the freezer at 0. There is also an LED panel on the side of the door that also displays the temps and has an alarm if the preset temp changes.

Ontheroad · M

@TexChik mine has a digital readout on the door, and had I not been noticed it, who knows how long I'd have been growing bacteria in there. I've never had it not reset to 38 before.

Yes, definitely stay safe, I have a friend who ended up in the hospital from this very thing.

Glossy · F

To avoid food infection, a domestic fridge should be maintained at a temperature between 0°C and 5°C (32°F and 41°F). This temperature range helps slow down the growth of harmful bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses.
(Brought to you by people who don’t use the Fahrenheit temperature scale)

LordShadowfire · 46-50, M

Just checked mine.

It's cold.

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