What refrigerated storage temperature should be maintained to reduce putrefaction of wastes and animal carcasses?

What refrigerated storage temperature should be maintained to reduce putrefaction of wastes and animal carcasses?

• A. Refrigerated storage should be kept above 15C.
• B. Refrigerated storage should be kept at room temperature.
• C. Refrigerated storage should be kept at -20C.
• D. Refrigerated storage should be kept below 7C to reduce putrefaction of wastes and animal carcasses.

Answer: (A)

Putrefaction is driven by microorganisms that break down organic matter, so lowering storage temperature slows their growth and activity. Keeping refrigerated storage below 7°C, with a target around 0–4°C, significantly reduces the rate of decomposition and odor development in wastes and animal carcasses. Temperatures above about 15°C allow rapid microbial growth, speeding up putrefaction. Freezing to -20°C stops most microbial activity, but for routine refrigerated handling the cooler, above-freezing range is the practical approach to prevent spoilage during storage and before disposal. In short, cooler temperatures slow putrefaction, and keeping below 7°C is an effective rule of thumb.

Putrefaction is driven by microorganisms that break down organic matter, so lowering storage temperature slows their growth and activity. Keeping refrigerated storage below 7°C, with a target around 0–4°C, significantly reduces the rate of decomposition and odor development in wastes and animal carcasses. Temperatures above about 15°C allow rapid microbial growth, speeding up putrefaction. Freezing to -20°C stops most microbial activity, but for routine refrigerated handling the cooler, above-freezing range is the practical approach to prevent spoilage during storage and before disposal. In short, cooler temperatures slow putrefaction, and keeping below 7°C is an effective rule of thumb.