Survey of internal temperatures of New Zealand domestic refrigerators

Abstract

PurposeTo collate data on internal temperatures of domestic refrigerators in New Zealand.Design/methodology/approachA survey of 127 domestic refrigerators in urban and rural locations in New Zealand was carried out during 2004‐2005. Data loggers were used to record internal temperatures every ten minutes over a 72‐hour period. A short questionnaire was also administered to participants.FindingsThe overall mean temperature was 5.2 °C (standard deviation 2.5 °C). A significant proportion (34 per cent) had a mean temperature >6 °C, while 55 per cent had a mean temperature of >5 °C. There were no statistically significant differences between mean temperatures in refrigerators in rural and urban (two cities) locations. Most consumers were aware of ideal refrigeration temperatures, but lacked the means (thermometers) to check actual operating temperatures.Research limitations/implicationsThe temperature data collected by this survey will be useful for modelling domestic refrigerator storage as a component of food safety quantitative risk models. These data can indicate the amount of time that refrigerators have an internal temperature above a minimum bacterial growth temperature, although the behaviour of bacteria under such fluctuating conditions is not well understood.Originality/valueThese data can assist with food safety promotion and act as an input into food safety risk assessments.