Refrigerator thermometers must be accurate to within how many degrees Fahrenheit at the warmest part of the refrigerator?

The accuracy of refrigerator thermometers is crucial for maintaining food safety and ensuring that perishable items are kept at appropriate temperatures. According to food safety guidelines, refrigerator thermometers must be accurate to within 3°F at the warmest part of the refrigerator. This standard helps to ensure that foods remain at a safe temperature, typically below 40°F, to minimize the risk of bacterial growth.

Maintaining this level of accuracy is vital because even slight deviations in temperature can compromise the quality and safety of food items stored within the refrigerator. By ensuring that thermometers are capable of this degree of accuracy, assisted living facilities can better protect the health and wellbeing of their residents through proper food safety measures.