Optimum Temperature for a Refrigerator Freezer in the Winter

Temperature

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends that you keep your refrigerator at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and your freezer at or below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Pathogenic bacteria can grow rapidly at temperatures between 40 and 140 degrees, according to the FDA. As it's impossible to detect the presence of pathogenic bacteria by sight, smell or taste, any foodstuffs that have been stored above 40 degrees for more than two hours should not be consumed.

Season

• Look to maintain the recommended temperatures in your refrigerator and freezer unit regardless of season or the temperature outside. These have little impact on the environment inside your fridge or freezer and should not be taken into consideration when adjusting your units' temperature controls.

Monitoring

• Most modern refrigerators and freezers come with a built-in thermometer that displays the temperatures of your appliance. If your units don't have one of these, buy a thermometer specifically made for fridge/freezer use from your local appliance store or online.

Outage

• Keep a supply of ice in your freezer to be used in the event of a power outage. If your power supply is cut off, monitor the temperature inside your refrigerator and freezer to see when it drops below the recommended levels. Once it has, pack foodstuffs in ice. Use a thermometer to keep track of the temperature of any items you remove from your fridge or freezer. If they fall below the recommended temperature for more than two hours, they should not be consumed.