what temperature should a refrigerator be

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that the temperature of a refrigerator should be at or below 40°F (4.4°C) and the temperature of a freezer should be at or below 0°F (-18°C) . However, the ideal temperature range for a refrigerator is between 35° and 38°F (1.7 to 3.3°C) . This temperature range is close to freezing without being so cold that food will freeze. If the temperature is cooler, items like milk and meat last a bit longer, but if it is close to freezing, some items start showing frost on them. It is important to note that not all fridge temperature gauges are accurate, and some refrigerators dont display temperatures at all. It is recommended to use a thermometer to ensure that the temperature is within the safe range.