How cold should foods be kept?

Cold Food Storage Temperatures

* Raw meat, poultry, seafood: 40 °F or below

* Cooked leftovers: 40 °F or below

* Dairy products: 40 °F or below

* Eggs: 45 °F or below

* Fruits and vegetables: 40 °F or below

* Cut melons: 35 °F or below

* Ice cream: 0 °F or below

* Frozen foods: 0 °F or below

Tips for Keeping Food Cold

* Keep your refrigerator at 40 °F or below.

* Place raw meat, poultry, and seafood on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator to prevent them from dripping on other foods.

* Cover all leftovers and cooked foods before storing them in the refrigerator.

* Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator, microwave, or cold water. Do not thaw frozen foods at room temperature.

* Discard any food that has been left out at room temperature for more than two hours.