What is the temperature of the bottom part of the refrigerator?

For safe food storage, the bottom area of the refrigerator must be kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It can be set lower if needed. This keeps food at a temperature that either prevents or slows the development of bacteria such as E.coli and salmonella.

The longer ready-to-eat foods are in the refrigerator, the greater the chance they are growing a bacteria called listeria. Even with the refrigerator at the proper temperature, ready-to-eat foods are best when consumed within a few days. The freezer area temperature is ideal at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Perishable foods should be refrigerated immediately and should never be left out more than two hours.