Final answer:
Overstocking a refrigerator can lead to higher internal temperatures, risking the inhibition of bacterial growth, and potentially making the food unsafe to consume if temperatures rise above 40 degrees F for more than two hours.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary safety concern with overstocking a refrigerator is that it can lead to uneven cooling and inadequate air circulation, which might result in higher temperatures within certain sections of the fridge. Ensuring that the temperature is maintained at or below 4 degrees C (40 degrees F) is crucial to inhibit bacterial growth.
Overstocking a refrigerator can make it difficult for the appliance to maintain the required temperature.
If the temperature exceeds 40 degrees F for more than two hours, foods can become unsafe to consume due to the potential growth of microbes.
In a power outage, it's particularly important to monitor the inside temperature with a thermometer as the safety of the food depends on the temperature remaining below the threshold.