What should the refrigerator temperature be less than?

The recommended refrigerator temperature should be set at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature helps ensure the safety and quality of food stored in the refrigerator by slowing the growth of bacteria and harmful microorganisms. Keeping the temperature at or below this threshold helps prevent food spoilage and maintains optimal freshness.

While 45 degrees Fahrenheit might seem acceptable at first, it is above the recommended safety limit. Storing food at this temperature increases the risk of bacterial growth, which could lead to foodborne illnesses. Therefore, it's essential to maintain a refrigerator temperature at less than 40 degrees to promote food safety and quality. Moreover, regulatory guidelines often emphasize this standard for household and commercial food storage.