Shelves can end up looking like a disaster zone for products. One of the best investments you can make is purchasing a commercial walk-in freezer.
Walk-in freezers act as a cold storage area for your products. You’ll want to make sure the temperature of your freezer is cold enough, though.
How cold should a walk-in freezer really be? That’s what we’re going to explore in this article. So if you’re ready to learn all about commercial walk in freezers and cold storage, just keep reading.
The Safest and Ideal Temperature Range
A commercial walk-in freezer should be maintained at a temperature equal to or below 0°F in order to protect stored food products from spoilage and contamination. The U.S. Food and Drug Administrations Food Code sets the safe temperature range for this type of equipment at 0°F or below.
This standard is intended to prevent foodborne illness caused by the growth of bacteria, mold, and other microorganisms. Any food stored in walk-in freezers should be stored at a temperature of 0°F or below and monitored with an accurate thermometer.
The USDA suggests using both a refrigerator-freezer thermometer and a recording thermometer in order to ensure that food items are kept at safe temperatures for as long as possible.
Using a Freezer Temperature Monitor
To ensure proper cooling and storing of food items, it is beneficial to use a freezer temperature monitor. This will give managers an accurate reading of the actual temperature and quickly alert them to any issues with cooling.
Companies should also track the door openings of the freezer, as excessive opening or closing can lead to drastic temperature fluctuations.
Lastly, ensure that any ice buildup on the freezer walls is taken care of, as ice blocks the air vents, resulting in reduced air circulation. A regular maintenance schedule and checks by a qualified technician should be adhered to in order to ensure the freezer is running as efficiently as possible.
Keeping Your Food Safe During Temperature Variations
In order to keep food safe during temperature variations, it is important to regularly check the temperature and reset it if necessary. This should be done at least twice a day and whenever there is a temperature variation.
Additionally, to ensure food safety, perishable items should not be stored in the walk-in freezer above 0°F for more than four hours. To further minimize food safety risks, it is essential to keep the door of the walk-in freezer closed as much as possible, only opening it when necessary.
Find more here for proper temperature management for your walk-in freezer!
Set Properly Your Commercial Walk in Freezer
Maintaining a commercial walk in freezer at the right temperature will ensure that the food held in it is kept safe and to the appropriate standards. Keeping this temperature is the best option for both the food safety of the product as well as maintaining the integrity of the unit.
Take action now to make sure your walk-in freezer is properly maintained and at the right temperature.
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