Questions: QUESTION 34 OF 50 Staff should check refrigerators or coolers where food is stored regularly for the appropriate temperature. Which of the following temperature readings ensures that food will not spoil? Choose only ONE best answer. A The temperature should not exceed 20 degrees Fahrenheit. B The temperature should not exceed 40 degrees Fahrenheit. C The temperature should not exceed 60 degrees Fahrenheit. CONFIRM

The answer is B: The temperature should not exceed 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Explanation for each option:

A. The temperature should not exceed 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

• This temperature is too low for a refrigerator. While it would certainly prevent food spoilage, it is more appropriate for a freezer. Refrigerators are typically set at higher temperatures to keep food fresh without freezing it.

B. The temperature should not exceed 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

• This is the correct answer. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that refrigerators be kept at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure food safety and prevent spoilage. This temperature slows the growth of bacteria, keeping food fresh for longer.

C. The temperature should not exceed 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

• This temperature is too high for a refrigerator. At 60 degrees Fahrenheit, food is at risk of spoiling quickly as bacteria can grow rapidly at this temperature.

In summary, to ensure food safety and prevent spoilage, refrigerators should be kept at a temperature that does not exceed 40 degrees Fahrenheit.