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Temperature control is crucial for maintaining its quality and safety when protecting frozen food in a storage facility. The success of any food storage and distribution business relies on the safe storage of frozen food and the adherence to regulations regarding the correct temperature for preserving perishable foods.
Once foodstuffs have been safely transferred into your storage facility, there are several things you can do to ensure they are kept at optimum quality. One of these is to ensure the integrity of all areas of your storage facility is protected. You can do this by employing barriers such as PVC strip curtains, which can form part of the legally required temperature control processes. To find out how to achieve this, consider getting advice from a leading specialist supplier of cutting-edge temperature control solutions for food storage facilities.
Here are some tips for ensuring proper temperature control to maintain product quality.
Maintain a Consistent Temperature
Fluctuations in temperature can lead to thawing and refreezing, which can negatively compromise the quality of the stored food. Freezer temperatures should be kept at or below 8ᵒC for foods, including raw materials and ingredients likely to support pathogenic microorganisms’ growth. This temperature applies to the food itself and not to the surrounding air. It applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with slightly different rules for Scotland.
Use Reliable Freezers
Invest in good quality freezers with good insulation and temperature control features. Regularly maintain your freezers by checking and calibrating the temperature settings. Periodically check all seals and doors and maintain a regular, thorough cleaning schedule. Pay particular attention to any build-up of ice or debris that can affect the efficiency of the storage facility and could compromise the safety of the food products. Replace any faulty components before they fail to prevent the desolation of food products.
Monitor Temperature and Humidity
Real-time wireless digital thermometers are recommended to monitor temperature and humidity to comply with current food safety legislation (BRC, GMP, MHRA) to ensure foodstuffs do not spoil or become damaged. By closely monitoring the temperature within your freezers and other cold storage areas, you can quickly identify any fluctuations and take appropriate remedial action.
Regulate Temperature in Surrounding Areas
PVC strip curtains, particularly those with thermal or insulating properties, help hugely. They prevent the exchange of hot and cold air between different areas of a storage facility, maximising the energy and thermal efficiency of your cold storage areas. Essentially, they prevent temperature variations and ensure your business complies with all current legislation.
Organise Efficiently
Whether food is stored in a domestic freezer or a warehouse cold storage facility, it is crucial to store food in a way that allows for the correct circulation of air and the correct monitoring of movement for distribution and inventory purposes.
Use the correct containers or bags to store all food products to prevent freezer or air burn, which could lead to spoiling. Avoid overfilling the storage facility, as this can hinder airflow and cause temperature variations.
Backup Power Source Essential
Finally, consider investing in a backup power source such as a battery or generator, especially if your facility is in an area prone to power outages. This is vital to ensure that your cold storage facilities and freezers can maintain the required temperature even during an emergency.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively protect frozen food in storage, maintain the high quality of your product, and enhance your business’s reputation.
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