Book 9, Question 131
Why Keep the Fridge at About 4°C (40°F)?
We keep the fridge at about 4 degrees Celsius, or 40 degrees Fahrenheit, because that cold slows most spoilage and harmful germs! A fridge thermometer is better than guessing, because your hand cannot read temperature well. A grown-up should adjust the fridge settings.
More fun facts
- A fridge should stay between 0 and 5°C.
- Do not overcrowd your fridge, or it may not be able to reach the right temperature.
- Keep raw meat and fish on a tray on a low shelf so drips cannot reach other foods.
- Thawing food in the fridge is safe because it never sits at temperatures where bacteria multiply fast.
- A digital food thermometer can check that food is hot enough in a few different spots before serving.
Questions kids ask
Why not keep the fridge even colder?
Below 0°C, food starts to freeze. A fridge is meant to keep food cold, not frozen.