At what temperature should refrigeration units be maintained?

Refrigeration units should be maintained at a temperature of 40°F to effectively prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in food. This temperature is considered the upper limit for safe refrigeration, ensuring that perishable items such as dairy, meat, and seafood are kept in a safe range. At or below this temperature, the growth of bacteria is significantly slowed down, helping to preserve food safety and quality.

Maintaining refrigeration units at temperatures above 40°F may allow for bacterial multiplication, leading to foodborne illnesses. The temperatures lower than this can maintain food quality and safety over extended periods. Therefore, it's critical for food protection managers to monitor and ensure that refrigeration systems operate at or below this key benchmark of 40°F.