REFRIGERATORS
Salt and soda water will clean and sweeten the inside of your refrigerator. It won't scratch enamel either.
Refrigerators should stay at 40 F (5 C) or less. According to Robert Buchanan, Ph.D., senior science adviser and director of science in the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, many people overlook the importance of maintaining an appropriate refrigerator temperature.
"According to surveys, in many households, the refrigerator temperature is above 50 degrees (10 C)," he said.
His advice: Measure the temperature with a thermometer and, if needed, adjust the refrigerator's temperature control dial.
A temperature of 40 F (5 C) or less is important because it slows the growth of most bacteria. The temperature won't kill the bacteria, but it will keep them from multiplying, and the fewer there are, the less likely you are to get sick.
Freezing at zero F (minus 18 C) or less stops bacterial growth (although it won't kill bacteria already present).
(Compiled from the FDA Consumer - latest revision, July 2002)
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