What is the ideal temperature range for keeping a refrigerator?

The ideal temperature range for keeping a refrigerator is between 0 and 5 degrees Celsius. This temperature range is crucial for ensuring that food is stored safely and effectively. Within this range, the growth of harmful bacteria is significantly slowed down, which helps to keep perishable items like dairy, meat, and vegetables fresh and safe to consume.

Keeping the refrigerator at 0 to 5 degrees Celsius also helps to maintain the quality of food by preserving its texture and flavor, as well as extending the shelf life. If the temperature is set too high, the food may spoil faster, while temperatures that are too low can cause freezing of items that should remain unfrozen, such as fruits and certain vegetables.

In contrast, the ranges presented in the other choices do not serve as appropriate temperatures for a refrigerator. For instance, temperatures between -18 to -22 degrees Celsius are typical for freezers rather than refrigerators, focusing on long-term storage of foods by freezing them. A range of 5-10 degrees Celsius is generally considered too warm for optimal refrigeration, which can lead to increased bacterial growth. Lastly, temperatures of 0-3 degrees Celsius are acceptable but are on the lower end, where some items may begin to freeze, which is not ideal