Cold Storage: A Crucial Element in Food Industry Preservation
Cold storage is vital to preserving food products and keeping them fresh. Without proper temperature control, food would spoil and lead to massive inventory loss.
For manufacturers that cannot afford their own plant-attached cold warehouses, they can rely on refrigerated warehouse services provided by third-party logistics companies. These facilities offer a one-stop solution for bulk handling of perishable foods before they reach retail stores.
Ensuring Freshness and Safety
Cold storage allows for a higher level of control over food quality and safety. If foods stay out of the temperature danger zone, pathogenic bacteria won’t grow to unacceptable levels that could make customers sick.
Cold temperatures help to protect foods from insects and pests too. Dried fruits, for example, can be infested by weevils or by fungus. They can also be infested by botulism spores if they’re stored in oxygen-reducing packaging or if they haven’t been pretreated with cold treatment before shipping.
Large kho cap dong cong nghiep facilities can accommodate different types of products such as produce, meats and cheese. They are often used to hold foods that can’t be stored in refrigerated warehouses. Some companies use plant-attached cold storage to keep their food supplies close to production plants. Others choose to use public refrigerated warehousing or custom cold storage from third-party logistics providers. The right choice depends on the needs of the food product. The facility design should be created to create the perfect conditions for the specific product.
Importance of Cold Storage in Food Industry
The food and beverage industry heavily relies on cold storage warehousing to preserve the quality of its products. From raw produce to processed foods, meat, seafood, bakery items and more, these products require a specific temperature range and humidity level in order to stay safe and fresh until they reach the consumer.
For companies that cannot afford to invest in their own refrigerated warehouses, bulk cold storage facilities are a one-stop shop for storing products before they go to retail stores. This reduces the overall amount of product that needs to be shipped and allows businesses to track sales more efficiently.
In addition, companies can utilize these facilities to store excess goods they have that would otherwise spoil if left onsite. This also cuts down on the cost of food waste, which can be costly for both a business’ bottom line and its reputation. A large percentage of all food is wasted before it reaches the end customer, so reducing this number is essential for the success of any company in the industry.
Types of Cold Storage Facilities for Food
A variety of industries make heavy use of cold storage facilities. These facilities keep food and other perishable items at optimum temperatures to prevent spoilage and extend their shelf lives. This helps businesses manage inventory with minimal cost and negligible product loss.
Refrigerated warehouses can store a wide range of products like fruits and vegetables, meats, dairy products, and chemicals. These facilities can also accommodate frozen goods, such as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
Companies can invest in plant-attached cold storage or purchase a custom cold storage facility from third-party logistics providers to optimize bulk handling and ensure optimum product quality. These facilities are often located closer to end consumers to expedite shipping and reduce transportation costs.
Cold storage facilities may also include domestic fridges or blast freezers depending on the industry’s specific needs. For example, candles and other wax-like products require a blast freezer to protect them from the heat and humidity that can ruin their quality and appearance.
Food Safety Measures in Cold Storage
Cold storage facilities can extend the shelf life of perishable goods by ensuring they are stored at optimal temperatures and preventing bacterial growth. This will minimize the risk of food poisoning and loss of nutritional value for customers.
It is recommended that foods are re-checked every four hours to make sure they do not fall into the temperature danger zone. This allows remedial action to be taken quickly if necessary. It is also advisable to store high-risk foods (such as raw meats) above lower-risk foods (such as vegetables or fish). This minimises cross contamination and prevents odour absorption.
In addition, moist products such as dried fruit or nuts should be packaged in airtight containers with oxygen absorbers to reduce the risk of botulism poisoning. It is also a good idea to check best-before dates regularly and, if in doubt, throw out foods that are past their expiry date. Using thermometers throughout the cold chain is another way to ensure temperature stability and maintain product safety.