I’m a Food Scientist, and Your Refrigerator Is Too Warm — Here’s What To Do About It

Refrigeration changed the world as we knew it, it changed everything. The first ice-making machine was developed in 1854, and some type of refrigerator for home use hit the market around 1913.

I’m a Food Scientist, and Your Refrigerator Is Too Warm — Here’s What To Do About It

The arrival of Freon in the 1920s, a cooling gas that substituted ice in refrigerators, was a game changer too. Now we can’t live without the technology.

When food is stored at room temperature, more appropriately, in the ‘Danger Zone’ between 40 and 140°F, bacteria multiplies, presenting a significant health risk.

There are around 48 million cases of food-borne disease annually, and that’s worrying. You must keep your food, and even your leftovers in the fridge, but if your fridge isn’t set at the right temperature, you can still get sick. If your refrigerator is too warm, here’s what to do about it.

What Happens to Food When Not Properly Refrigerated?

First of all, what happens to food is it’s not stored correctly? Well, improper food storage leads to many problems. For starters, the food decay speeds up, meaning it doesn’t last as long as it should. This is you throwing away your grocery money. Food that could last a week lasts a couple of days.

Then you have the health risks. Bacteria is basically dormant when refrigerated at the right temperature, and it’s not only bacteria but also mold. Microbes can still multiply in the fridge which is why eventually all food stored in there finally goes bad.

Freezing food is a whole other matter. Low temperatures might kill some bacteria, and those who survive will stop multiplying. You can store food in the freezer for months without worrying about harmful microorganisms.

So, what’s the right temperature for your most essential kitchen appliance?

8 Obvious Signs You're Being Served Pre-Made Food At A Restaurant

8 Obvious Signs You’re Being Served Pre-Made Food At A Restaurant

If Onions Could Talk, Here’s What They Would Tell You

If Onions Could Talk, Here’s What They Would Tell You