What is the best temperature range for storing perishable food items?

Storing perishable food items at a temperature range of 0-4°C is ideal because this range effectively slows down the growth of harmful bacteria, mold, and yeast that can spoil food and cause foodborne illnesses. Keeping food at or below 4°C helps to maintain its freshness and safety for consumption.

This temperature range is particularly important for items such as dairy products, meat, poultry, and seafood, all of which are highly susceptible to bacterial growth if not stored correctly. The colder temperatures in this range help preserve the quality and nutritional value of the food while preventing foodborne pathogens from multiplying.

Other temperature ranges, such as 5-10°C, are not cold enough to inhibit bacterial growth effectively, raising the risk of spoilage and food safety issues. Similarly, temperatures between 10-15°C are more appropriate for non-perishable goods but can lead to rapid deterioration of perishable items. The range of -18 to -12°C is suitable for freezing storage, which halts bacterial growth but is not optimal for short-term refrigeration needs where food needs to be kept fresh and ready for use.