What is the ideal temperature for a fridge?

The ideal temperature range for a fridge is between 35 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit, due to 32 being the freeze point and 40 the temperature where harmful bacteria grows. A freezer should measure about 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

Prepared foods generally should not be kept outside of a refrigerator for longer than two hours. However, high and low room temperatures can affect the safety of keeping food out different lengths of time. Inside of a fridge or freezer, foods should not be too crowded together in order to let the cooling mechanisms work properly. The flavor, tenderness, color and juiciness of a food change the longer food is in a freezer.