What temperature defines freezer storage?

• A. At or below -18°C
• B. At or below -10°C
• C. At or above 0°C
• D. At or above 5°C

Answer: (A)

Freezing for storage relies on lowering the temperature well below 0°C to hold microbial growth and slow enzymatic spoilage. The standard freezer setting is -18°C or colder because at this temperature microbes become dormant and chemical changes occur very slowly, preserving safety and quality over extended periods. A temperature of -10°C, while cold, isn’t reliably sufficient for all foods to stay safe long-term. Temperatures at or above 0°C keep foods unfrozen and allow microbes and enzymes to continue activity, and 5°C is a fridge temperature, not freezer. So freezer storage is defined as -18°C or lower.