What is the recommended temperature for refrigerators and freezers?

According to the FDA, refrigerators should be kept at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit and freezers should be kept at or below zero degrees Fahrenheit. Appliance thermometers are the best way to check the temperature of a refrigerator and are generally cost effective.

It is important to regularly check the temperature of freezers and refrigerators to ensure nutritional safety. The FDA recommends checking these temperatures once a week. Some foods, such as milk and various meats, need to be colder than others, and previously packaged foods are quicker to deteriorate in the fridge. For the best refrigerating results, air should be able to circulate and food should be eaten quickly.