Expert: Carol Schlitt - 10/15/2006

Question
It seems the refrigerator in my new apartment is not cold enough. I have it set to "7", it's coolest setting, but food seems to grow mold very quickly and "cold" drinks from it seem barely below room temperature. Yesterday I bought a thermometer and placed it on the refrigerator's top shelf (closest to the freezer). This morning it reads 51° F. Is that adequate? If not, what should be the refrigerator's temperature. Are there legal regulations on this in California. I'd like my landlord to change the unit.

Answer
Hi Jim,

You are right to be concerned. 51 degrees is way to warm a temperature -- in fact it's a perfect temperature for the growth of mold and bacteria.

Your refrigerator should run somewhere between 36-39 degrees. Food should be held below 41 degrees internal temperature and in order to do so the refrigerator should be running a few degrees colder.

I'm not aware of any legal regulations in California or any other state concerning home refrigerators (there are many rules for commercial refrigeration). However, your refrigerator is not working and your landlord should provide service immediately. You should not store potentially hazardous food in this refrigerator (eggs, meat, dairy products, fish, etc)until it is fixed.

Good luck Jim.  If I can be of further service, please let me know.

Carol C. Schlitt
Extension Educator, Nutrition and Wellness
University of Illinois Extension