Domestic refrigerator air temperatures and the public's awareness of refrigerator use

This study chose 50 households in the Christchurch suburb of Papanui. The householders in this area represent a wide age and income range, there is a good mix of old and new housing stock, and most of the homes are owner/occupied with a small smattering of rental accommodation. Temperatures were obtained in the domestic refrigerators of these 50 households. Measurements revealed that the majority (60%) of the domestic refrigerators were not operating in the recommended 0-4 C temperature zone. The warmer temperatures found in the majority of the refrigerators in this study suggest that perishable foods are being microbiologically compromised. Food wastage and food borne illness may be the direct consequence of these unsafe food storage practices. The general knowledge of the householders as to the correct and safe storage temperatures for perishable foods in refrigeration appliance was poor. Eighty-eight (88%) of the householders did not know that temperature range their refrigerators should be operating w...