At what temperature should cold food be stored?

Cold food should be stored at a temperature of 4 degrees Celsius or lower to ensure food safety. This temperature is critical for inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses. Keeping cold food at or below this temperature helps to maintain the integrity of the food and prolong its shelf life.

Storing food at higher temperatures, such as 10 degrees Celsius, is not recommended because it can encourage bacterial growth. Similarly, while 0 degrees Celsius and -2 degrees Celsius are safe temperatures, they are typically associated with freezing rather than refrigeration, which can affect the texture and quality of certain foods that should be kept cold but not frozen. Thus, 4 degrees Celsius is the optimal temperature to ensure that cold foods remain safe for consumption.