What is the ideal range for food storage refrigeration temperatures?

The ideal range for food storage refrigeration temperatures is indeed 32°F to 40°F. This temperature range is critical for maintaining food safety and quality. At these temperatures, the growth of harmful bacteria is significantly slowed down, which helps to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Keeping food stored at or just above freezing (32°F) prevents freezing, which can alter the texture and flavor of certain foods, while temperatures above 40°F can lead to rapid bacterial growth. This range effectively balances the need to keep food cold enough to inhibit bacteria while avoiding the negative impacts of freezing.

The other options fall outside the recommended guidelines for safe refrigeration. Temperatures below 32°F can lead to freezing food items that should remain fresh, while temperatures between 40°F to 50°F and higher can allow for potential spoilage and health risks due to bacterial proliferation. Therefore, adhering to the 32°F to 40°F guideline is crucial for food safety in a commercial food service environment.