The FDA recommends that refrigerators be set to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Check the temperature on the refrigerator's thermometer, or use an appliance thermometer to determine that the refrigerator settings are correct. Place the appliance thermometer in a glass of water in the center of the refrigerator for five to eight hours, then check the temperature. If it is above 40 degrees, adjust the refrigerator's settings.
According to the FDA, a freezer should always be set at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Test the temperature of your freezer with an appliance thermometer placed between frozen food packages. Freezing renders the microbes in food inactive. Although prolonged freezing may reduce the quality of some foodstuffs, particularly if they are not sealed in airtight containers, the food will remain safe to consume.