The bacteria grow best at our body temperature. Thorough cooking destroys the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, but the toxin is very resistant to heat, refrigeration, and freezing.
So, what temperature does Staphylococcus aureus die?
The temperature range for growth of S. aureus is 7–48°C, with an optimum of 37°C. S. aureus is resistant to freezing and survives well in food stored below -20°C; however, viability is reduced at temperatures of -10 to 0°C. S. aureus is readily killed during pasteurisation or cooking.
What is the optimum temperature for Staphylococcus aureus?
These physical growth parameters vary for different S. aureus strains (Stewart 2003). The temperature range for growth of S. aureus is 7–48°C, with an optimum of 37°C.
What is the lowest temperature at which hot food can be safely stored?
The coldest part of the fridge should be between 0 degrees Celcius and 5 degrees Celcius (32 degrees Fahrenheit and 41 degrees Fahrenheit). You could use a probe thermometer to check if food is being kept hot (above 63 degrees Celcius) or cold (below 8 degrees Celcius).