eli5 why do we have to cool food before putting it in the refrigerator?

Question

eli5 why do we have to cool food before putting it in the refrigerator?

In: 3

Answer 1

Because, if the temp is too high and stays too high for too long it is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Refrigerators tend to stay at a constant state of degrees of temperature, somewhere between 35ish-45ish degrees Fahrenheit, give or take a few degrees on either end. This means if food that is around 80-140 degrees Fahrenheit goes in the fridge and stays there for longer than 3/5 hours, at that same temp-i.e., it stays and does not cool down it may grow bacterium levels that could be highly problematic and potentially dangerous for human consumption.