What is the Ideal Temperature for Commercial Freezers?

If your business uses commercial freezers, you know how crucial it is to keep food stored at the correct temperature. Just a few degrees too high or too low can destroy many items, including meats, fish and vegetables. If the temperature is too warm, food can spoil very quickly. Store food in frigid conditions for too long and you run the risk of freezer burn. A high-quality commercial freezer can keep temperatures consistent, ensuring maximum food quality.

So you may be wondering -- what is the ideal temperature? The temperatures for commercial freezers are usually much colder than those of commercial refrigerators. Many business owners believe their food must be safe because everything is frozen. But the truth is, food can still go bad. For proper storage, the ideal temperature for commercial freezers should remain at -18 ℃ (0 ℉). Research has shown that anything higher will cause the vitamin content to deteriorate significantly faster. It’s important to note that the larger the appliance, the more time it will require to reach a stable temperature.

Improper Food Storage: What are the Risks?

If your commercial freezers are not storing food at ideal temperatures, your business may be losing money. When food is not maintained properly, you’re forced to replenish stock earlier than anticipated. Keep your goods fresher longer, and save your profits for more valuable expenses.

Improper food storage can also hurt business by making your customers sick. Food-related illnesses affect millions of Canadians each year. Here’s what the numbers show when it comes to contamination:

• 1 in 8 people (4 million Canadians) get sick each year
• Over 11,500 hospitalizations occur each year
• 240 cases result in death

The most common culprits are Norovirus, Listeria and Salmonella. Should your supermarket or restaurant be responsible for food poisoning, you may have to pay for compensation and your reputation could be compromised too. That’s why it’s important to always follow the guidelines on food safety.

Tips for Proper Food Storage

Once your freezer has been set to the ideal temperature, it’s crucial that you know how to freeze foods wisely. When storing food, you’ll want to accomplish the following:

• Prevent moisture loss
• Prevent freezer burn
• Prevent the transfer of smells between foods
• Prevent food poisoning as the food cools

The key to accomplishing the above lies in how well your food items are wrapped for storage. Here are some tips to consider:

• Wrap meats and baked goods tightly in foil before putting them into freezer bags
• Remove as much air as possible from freezer bags before sealing them
• If using freezer-safe containers, make sure they closely fit the amount of food being frozen

Once your food items are in the freezer, you must stay within the storage timeframes. According to government guidelines, beef can maintain its quality in the freezer for 10-12 months. But ground meat will stay fresh for only 2-3 months. Lean fish like cod and flounder can stay in the freezer for 6 months. Meanwhile, frozen bacon must be consumed within 1 month. Be sure your staff is aware of these guidelines by prominently displaying signs in your food storage area. Proper food handling should always be a priority among employees.

Don’t forget that commercial freezers may experience small temperature fluctuations each time the doors are opened. Remind all staff members to keep doors shut to avoid cold air escaping the unit. Many of today’s models include freezer doors that automatically lock when the temperature becomes less than ideal.

Benefits of Properly Frozen Foods

Whether you own a butcher shop or convenience store, your business can benefit from foods that are properly frozen. You’ll be able to rest assured your patrons are purchasing high-quality goods -- without fear that they may fall victim to food poisoning. Your business will also be able to reduce food waste. And if your commercial freezer is an energy-efficient model, the cost savings will be even greater.

Consider investing in a high-quality refrigeration system. A good appliance will have temperature controls that allow you to maintain ideal temperatures year-round. True is one of the world’s most popular manufacturers of commercial cooling systems. The Dual Temperature Freezer lets you freeze and cool your products in one central location. This space-saving model is beneficial for business owners who do not want to invest in a separate refrigerator. It features a high-tech cooling mechanism to closely monitor the temperature of all food items, ensuring maximum freshness.

Commercial refrigeration equipment can be quite expensive, which is why many business owners are hesitant about making such a large investment. Ancaster Food Equipment offers refurbished freezers at highly discounted rates. The best part is our products are refurbished to look and operate like new. By partnering with us, you can be certain your business has access to superior appliances at a fraction of the cost. Ultimately, your food is only as good as your freezer. So reap the benefits of properly frozen foods with an exceptional cooling system from Ancaster!

For more information contact us here.