According to the Health and Safety Code, at what temperature must a body be refrigerated?

• A. No greater than 50F
• B. No greater than 32F
• C. No greater than 35F
• D. No greater than 40F

Answer: (A)

Refrigeration temperature is set to slow decomposition and protect public health during temporary storage before disposition. The Health and Safety Code specifies a maximum of fifty degrees Fahrenheit for refrigerated storage of a body. Keeping the body at or below this temperature helps limit bacterial growth and odors without imposing the colder targets used for embalming or other procedures. The other options would require cooler temperatures than the code mandates, so they do not represent the standard requirement. If the temperature climbs above fifty degrees, action is needed to restore proper refrigeration to stay compliant.