Are You Using the Right Temperature Settings for Food Safety?

Are You Using the Right Temperature Settings for Food Safety?

Your refrigerator may be running, but is it set to the right temperature to keep your food safe? Many homeowners believe their appliance is working well, only to later find spoiled food, bad smells, or even mold. Making sure the temperature settings are correct is one of the most important parts of food safety. If your fridge isn’t maintaining those settings, it might be time to go to a refrigerator service center in Calicut for a check-up.

Let’s explore how to properly set your refrigerator and why it matters more than you think.

Why Temperature Control Is Important

The main job of a refrigerator is to slow down the growth of bacteria in food. If your fridge is too warm, harmful germs like Salmonella and E. coli can grow, putting your family’s health at risk. On the other hand, a fridge that is too cold can freeze fresh fruits and vegetables or spoil the texture and taste of dairy products.

Keeping the inside temperature between 1°C and 4°C (34°F to 40°F) helps keep food fresh while protecting it from bacteria.

Are You Setting It or Guessing It?

Most refrigerators have temperature dials, but they usually show numbers instead of actual temperatures. If you are just turning the dial to "3" or "medium," you are leaving food safety to luck.

Pro tip: Use a refrigerator thermometer (they are cheap) to check your settings. Put it on the middle shelf and leave it overnight for an accurate reading.

If the temperature is too warm or too cold, and your adjustments do not help, your appliance may have a broken sensor or a cooling problem. That’s when a trip to a good refrigerator service center in Calicut is important.

Recommended Settings by Food Type

To get the best use out of your fridge (and keep food safe), it’s good to know which temperature zones work best for different items:

• Top/Middle Shelves: Best for dairy, leftovers, and drinks
• Lower Shelf: Best for raw meat and seafood — the coldest part of the fridge
• Crisper Drawers: Made for fruits and vegetables (some fridges let you change humidity here)
• Door Shelves: Warmest zone, only use for condiments and drinks

Always keep raw meat in sealed containers on the bottom shelf to avoid drips that could contaminate other foods.

What About the Freezer?

The freezer should be set at -18°C (0°F) to safely store frozen food. If your freezer is building up too much frost or is not freezing at all, it’s another sign that your appliance needs service.

Tip: Don’t overfill your freezer — air must circulate freely for even freezing.

Signs Your Refrigerator Needs Professional Help

• Frequent spoilage of fresh items
• Milk or yogurt going bad before the expiration date
• Ice forming in the fridge section
• Water pooling inside or under the appliance
• Changes to the thermostat are not affecting the cooling

These are all signs that your unit isn’t maintaining the right temperature, and it’s time to call a technician.

Conclusion

Don't leave food safety to chance. Making sure the temperature settings are correct is your first step to preventing foodborne illnesses, spoilage, and wasted food. If you’re not sure if your refrigerator is working properly, visit a reliable refrigerator service center in Calicut for a complete check-up and maintenance.

Fixail provides expert refrigerator inspection, repair, and temperature adjustment services throughout Calicut. Whether it’s a thermostat problem, a broken compressor, or an insulation issue, our skilled technicians will make sure your fridge works at its best.

With Fixail, your food remains fresh, your energy costs stay low, and your home remains safe — one cool setting at a time.