Refrigerate Promptly and Properly
Published June 23, 2018
Refrigerate Promptly Below 40°F
Refrigerate foods quickly and at a proper temperature to slow the growth of bacteria and prevent food poisoning.
Leftover foods from a meal should not stay out of refrigeration longer than two hours. In hot weather (90°F or above), this time is reduced to one hour.
Also, make sure your refrigerator is set below 40°F. This will keep perishable foods out of what's called the temperature "danger zone," where bacteria multiply quickest between 40°F and 140°F. Keep a refrigerator thermometer inside your refrigerator at all times!
Freezing is also a smart storage option to extend the shelf life of many perishable foods. Use an appliance thermometer to ensure your freezer is at 0° Fahrenheit or below.
Important tip: WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT!
Reviewed June 2015
