what should the temperature of a refrigerator be

The ideal temperature for a refrigerator is 37°F (2.7°C) . The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also recommends that the temperature of a refrigerator should be at or below 40°F (4.4°C) . This temperature range inhibits the growth of microorganisms that can cause foodborne illnesses, such as salmonella, listeria, and E. coli. It is important to keep the refrigerator at the correct temperature to prevent fresh food from spoiling too quickly and to slow the growth of bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses. The temperature controls of every refrigerator model are different, so it is important to understand your refrigerators temperature controls to set the ideal temperature. A refrigerator thermometer can be an effective tool to ensure that the temperature is set correctly. The freezer should be set at 0°F (-18°C) to prevent the growth of bacteria.