The fridge—that everyday safe we ​​assume is foolproof. Yet, it is far less reliable than we imagine.
A study by ANSES (the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety) scrutinized refrigeration habits across 16 European countries. The findings are stark: the average temperature of household refrigerators in Europe is 6.4°C. This figure is surprising, given that the recommended temperature to effectively limit the growth of pathogenic bacteria like *Listeria monocytogenes* is between 0°C and 4°C. In other words, most European fridges operate at temperatures well above the level required to guarantee true food safety. Do you know exactly what temperature yours is set to?
This figure is significant. *Listeria monocytogenes* is one of the few bacteria capable of multiplying even at low temperatures, making it a particularly insidious threat; unlike other pathogens that are stopped dead by the cold, it continues to grow—albeit more slowly—in an improperly set refrigerator. The higher the temperature rises above the recommended threshold, the faster the bacteria multiply. A fridge running at 6.4°C instead of 4°C isn't just a matter of temperature preference; it opens the door for this type of bacteria.

What this task actually entails

Deep-cleaning the refrigerator involves more than just clearing out expired food from the back of the vegetable drawer. It means completely emptying the appliance, washing all removable shelves and bins, wiping down the interior walls and door seals (which are often overlooked yet accumulate mold and residue), and checking the actual temperature setting while you're at it. Allow about 30 minutes for a thorough, deep clean—a task that isn't done daily but deserves serious attention when the time comes.

Tips and tricks for a truly hygienic fridge

A first step—often overlooked—is to invest in a fridge thermometer if yours lacks a reliable indicator, and place it in the coldest zone (usually at the bottom, just above the vegetable crisper in static-cooling models). A simple thermostat adjustment can often correct a temperature discrepancy of several degrees that had gone completely unnoticed.
For the cleaning process itself, soapy water remains the standard starting point, followed by a rinse with water containing a little diluted bleach to effectively disinfect surfaces; however, avoid applying concentrated bleach directly, as it can damage certain plastics. White vinegar is a gentler alternative that is effective against odors and light residue. Door seals—often a prime spot for mold due to accumulating moisture—require special attention; use an old toothbrush to reach into the folds.
Finally, here is a simple daily habit: never put hot food directly into the fridge. The heat released raises the appliance's internal temperature, making it difficult to maintain a safe temperature—a threshold that is already precarious, according to data from ANSES.

The fridge may seem like the most reliable appliance in the house for food preservation, but European statistics remind us that a simple, incorrect setting can turn this guardian of freshness into a breeding ground for bacteria. Checking the temperature and cleaning regularly is far better than placing blind trust in an appliance you may never have truly inspected.