At what temperature must refrigeration be maintained?

Maintaining the correct temperature in refrigeration for human remains is crucial to ensure proper preservation and prevent decomposition. In Oklahoma, as well as generally across the United States, the standard temperature requirement for refrigeration is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or less. This temperature effectively inhibits the growth of bacteria and slows down the decomposition process, ensuring that the body is preserved adequately until the final arrangements can be made.

While lower temperatures may be effective, 40 degrees Fahrenheit is often recognized as the maximum allowable temperature for refrigerated storage of remains in many regulations. Thus, this is why the answer specifying 40 degrees Fahrenheit or less is correct in this context. Compliance with this standard is essential for funeral homes to operate within the law and uphold ethical responsibilities toward the deceased and their families.