What is the acceptable range for the refrigerator temperature?

The acceptable range for refrigerator temperature is from 33°F to 41°F. This range is crucial for food safety as it ensures that perishable items can be stored without the risk of bacterial growth. Keeping the refrigerator at or below 41°F slows down the growth of pathogens that can contaminate food and cause foodborne illnesses.

The lower end of 33°F is near the freezing point of water, which means that while it prevents spoilage, it does not freeze most food items, keeping them in a usable state. Temperatures above 41°F allow for conditions that can support harmful bacterial proliferation, making it unsafe for food storage.

Other ranges provided would either lead to frozen food or unsafe conditions for perishable items, highlighting the importance of adhering to the specified temperature range for effective food safety management.