Getting food safety right in commercial display refrigeration comes down to a few non-negotiables: temperature control that never wavers, cleaning routines that actually get followed, and staying on the right side of health regulations. Miss any of these and you’re looking at potential foodborne illness outbreaks and serious damage to your business. The equipment matters, but so does understanding how all the pieces fit together. Why Temperature Control Makes or Breaks Food Safety Temperature is everything when it comes to keeping displayed food safe. Bacteria multiply rapidly in the danger zone, so perishable items need to stay at 40°F (4°C) or below, or 140°F (60°C) or above. That’s the baseline. Dairy, meat, and seafood push