Final answer:
The manager should first check the temperature of the products to ensure they are at safe levels for consumption, before considering discarding them or taking other actions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The initial action a manager should take when reviewing the temperature sheet for a dairy refrigerator is check the temperature of the products.
The importance of this step is to ensure that the temperature is at or below 4 degrees C (40 degrees F) because this inhibits bacterial growth in refrigerated foods. If the temperature has risen above 40 degrees F for more than two hours, the food may become unsafe to consume and should be discarded.
However, before taking extreme measures such as discarding the product, it is crucial to first verify the actual temperature of the products. In the event of power outages, maintaining the temperature below the critical threshold ensures food safety. After confirming product safety, it is good practice to consult with the maintenance department to address the issue and monitor the refrigerator temperature at regular intervals, preferably every 4 hours, to prevent future incidents.