What is one method to keep food at safe temperatures?

Regularly checking and adjusting refrigerator settings is a critical method for maintaining safe food temperatures. Refrigerators need to be set at or below 40°F (4°C) to slow the growth of harmful bacteria. By routinely verifying that the appliance is operating within this recommended temperature range, food safety managers can ensure that perishable items remain safe for consumption.

If the refrigerator temperature is too high, it increases the risk of foodborne illnesses due to the potential growth of pathogens in improperly stored food. This proactive approach can help prevent food spoilage and ensure compliance with food safety guidelines. Adjusting settings as needed ensures optimal performance and safeguarding of food items.

In contrast, leaving food out to cool before refrigerating, storing hot food at room temperature, and thawing food on the counter overnight are practices that can lead to unsafe temperature conditions, thereby increasing the risk of foodborne pathogens. These methods can create environments that promote bacterial growth, hence they are not advisable for achieving food safety.