Which of the following statements describes a benefit of modern refrigeration?
a. homes use less energy.
b. perishable items can be kept safely for longer.
c. poultry no longer is contaminated by salmonella.
d. fresh fruit does not need to be washed before consumption.

The answer is the option B. Perishable items can be kept safely for longer.

Refrigeration is an excellent way to preserve food longer due to the inhibition of microrganism growing at low temperatures.

In the past some perishable items like fruits, milk, vegetables, and meat, among others had to be consumed very shortly after having them. Nowadays refrigeration permits to keep those items for many days: weeks or months in some cases.