Is Your Fridge Too Full to Chill Evenly?
Food
Chilled air needs room to move around food. USDA FSIS advises against packing the refrigerator so tightly that air cannot circulate. Check the appliance thermometer to make sure the fridge stays at or below 40°F (4°C).
Before a big grocery shop, make room for the food you’re bringing home. Put away perishable items promptly, keep raw meat securely wrapped below ready-to-eat foods, and avoid cramming packages into every gap.
If the temperature reads high, follow your appliance instructions and check again. Use the food’s storage history and official safety guidance when deciding whether to keep perishable items.