At what refrigerated temperature should game meats and poultry be stored to gain maximum shelf life?

The optimal refrigerated temperature for storing game meats and poultry to maximize shelf life is 40 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius). At this temperature, the growth of harmful bacteria is significantly slowed while still keeping the meat in a safe and stable condition. This temperature ensures that the texture and quality of the meats are maintained, as colder temperatures can lead to freezing, which adversely affects the quality upon thawing, while warmer temperatures can promote bacterial growth and spoilage.

Keeping the storage temperature at 40 degrees F allows for the slowing down of microbial activity, thus extending the shelf life while ensuring that the meat remains safe for consumption. The other temperature options are either too low, which risks freezing and compromising the meat's quality, or too high, which could encourage rapid spoilage and make the products unsafe to eat.