How many times per day should temperature readings of field refrigerators and freezers be taken and logged?

• A. Once
• B. Twice
• C. Three times
• D. Four times

Answer: (C)

Regular temperature monitoring with a written log is essential to keep field refrigeration and freezing units within safe holding ranges and to catch problems early.

Three readings per day provide a representative snapshot across the daily cycle, capturing fluctuations from door openings, changing loads, and ambient conditions. With only one or two readings, a temperature excursion could slip by unnoticed, risking food safety. Four readings, while thorough, often adds unnecessary workload for many operations without giving substantially more protection. Logging these checks creates a traceable record you can review for trends, support inspections, and guide corrective actions when a unit isn’t performing correctly.

Remember typical safe ranges: refrigerators should stay roughly between 32 and 41°F (0–5°C), and freezers should be at 0°F (-18°C) or lower. If a reading ever strays outside these ranges, take immediate corrective action and document what happened.