Food safety experts advise consumers to refrigerate foods quickly because cold temperatures keep most harmful bacteria from growing and multiplying. So, public health officials recommend setting the refrigerator at 40°F and the freezer unit at 0°F and occasionally checking these temperatures with an appliance thermometer. Then, Americans can Fight BAC by following these steps:

• Refrigerate or freeze perishables, prepared food and leftovers within two hours.
• Never defrost (or marinate) food on the kitchen counter. Use the refrigerator, cold running water or the microwave.
• Divide large amounts of leftovers into small, shallow containers for quick cooling in the refrigerator.
• With poultry and other stuffed meats, remove the stuffing and refrigerate it in a separate container.
• Don't pack the refrigerator. Cool air must circulate to keep food safe.