Storing perishable foods at the right temperature is very important for keeping our food safe and preventing sickness.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says we should keep food out of the "danger zone."

This danger zone is between 40°F and 140°F (about 4°C to 60°C).

In this temperature range, bacteria can multiply quickly, doubling their number in just 20 minutes!

Important Points:

• Keeping the Right Temperatures:

  • Refrigerators should be set to 40°F (4°C) or colder.
  • Freezers should be kept at 0°F (-18°C) or even colder.

• Expiration Dates:

  • Food can go bad and become unsafe to eat even before the expiration date if it’s not stored correctly.
  • The CDC reports that 48 million people get sick from food each year in the U.S. This results in 128,000 hospital visits and 3,000 deaths.

By keeping an eye on these temperatures and checking expiration dates, you can lower the chance of getting sick and make sure your meals are safe!