How often should refrigerator and freezer temperatures be checked?

Checking refrigerator and freezer temperatures daily is essential for maintaining food safety. This practice ensures that food is stored at the appropriate temperatures necessary to inhibit bacterial growth, which can lead to foodborne illnesses. The ideal temperature for refrigerators is below 40°F (4°C) and for freezers is 0°F (-18°C). Fluctuations outside these ranges can compromise food safety, so regular monitoring allows for quick corrective actions if temperatures rise above the safe threshold.

By adopting a daily routine for checking these temperatures, food service operations can uphold high standards of culinary safety, ensuring that all stored ingredients remain fresh and safe for consumption. This practice helps in identifying issues such as faulty equipment or power outages before they become serious problems that could lead to food spoilage and potential health risks.