Most people don’t think about it, but the cold temperature of their refrigerator or salad bar can make all the difference in keeping food safe to eat.
Bacteria will thrive if a refrigerator isn’t kept below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It causes food to spoil faster than if it was held at the right temperature.
However, this makes storage units especially susceptible to foodborne illness. Salad bars are often more likely to be contaminated than refrigerators.
Thankfully, you can easily protect yourself from getting sick. This ensures your salad bar or refrigerator remains cold enough to inhibit bacterial growth! So, how hard does a salad bar or refrigerator have to be to keep food safe?
Here are a few things to know. Such as refrigerator temperature, freezer temperature, and green bags. Also, portion sizes and how to maintain temperature.
Refrigerator Temperature
How cold does a salad bar or refrigerator have to be to keep food safe? The ideal temperature for a refrigerator is between 32°F and 40°F.
If your fridge is set any colder, your food will start to freeze. And if it’s formed any, your food will spoil more quickly.
So, use a fridge thermometer to check the temperature of your fridge regularly, and adjust the setting as needed. The closer you can keep your fridge to 32°F, the better.
Freezer Temperature
The FDA recommends that your freezer maintain a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) to keep food safe. Most home freezers can maintain this temperature, but checking yours with an appliance thermometer is a good idea.
If your freezer is too warm, your food will thaw and spoil quickly. If it’s too cold, your food will take longer to soften when ready to eat it.
Green Bags & Ziploc Bags
You’ve probably seen green bags in the produce section of your grocery store, and maybe you’ve even used them at home.
But did you know that these bags can determine the coldness of your food and help keep your food fresh for longer? Green Bags are made from a particular type of plastic called Polyethylene, which is more durable than regular plastics.
These plastics are also used to make Ziploc sandwich bags, so it’s no surprise that they work great as reusable produce bags!
One bonus: They’re compostable, too! Ziplocs are not just for leftovers. You can use them as reusable sandwich baggies.
As you satisfy your quest on “How cold does a salad bar or refrigerator have to be to keep food safe?” Remember that green bags play a role too.
Plastic Wrap/Tin Foil
This is a factor to consider while considering “how cold does a salad bar or refrigerator have to be to keep food safe.”
Food should not be allowed to come in contact with anything contaminating it.
The temperature of the food also needs to remain at a certain level for an appropriate amount of time. The temperature should not drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Portion Sizes
This is a factor to consider while considering “how cold does a salad bar or refrigerator have to be to keep food safe.”
For example, the temperature at which most people can still enjoy their meal without getting sick is around 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
But if you’re planning on storing your raw eggs, such as in a cookie dough recipe, at that temperature, they will not last as long. Eggs are one of the foods that will spoil fastest at that temperature.
Tips for Food Holding Temperature
The ideal temperature for storing and holding hot food is 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature for storing and keeping cold food is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
The temperature danger zone is between 40-140 degrees Fahrenheit, where bacteria can proliferate.
To ensure safety, measuring the internal temperature of cooked food with a food thermometer before serving is essential.
When transporting hot or cold food, use an insulated container to maintain the proper temperatures.
Set your refrigerator at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower at home and your freezer at 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
How Cold Does a Salad Bar or Refrigerator, Have to Be to Keep Food Safe
In conclusion, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all refrigerated foods be kept at 40°F or below to prevent the growth of bacteria.
If you’re one of those asking, “how cold does a salad bar or refrigerator have to be to keep food safe?” Remember that means your salad bar or refrigerator should never exceed 40°F.
Bacteria essentially proliferate at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F, so it’s essential to keep an eye on the temperature of your fridge.
Make sure it’s staying below 40°F. If you notice the temperature creeping up, take action immediately to cool things down.
