Perishable foods require appropriate storage to be safe for consumption. While this is important in the household setting, it’s especially critical for establishments such as restaurants and grocery stores. If you own a business that supplies food to the public, you can mitigate the risks of certain illnesses with proper cold storage. Here are some basics to bear in mind.

What’s Considered Proper Food Storage?

Perishable items are prone to developing bacteria, including pathogenic varieties that can cause foodborne illnesses. They proliferate in the “Danger Zone,” or temperatures between 40 and 150 degrees. These microorganisms are dangerous because they don’t show any outward signs that the food is bad. 

Fortunately, cold storage of 40 degrees or below will protect most foods. When the items are chilled to this temperature, bacterial growth is prevented or slowed. The chilled climate restricts the molecules’ movement, forcing the microorganisms to become dormant. For frozen foods, the temperature should be 0 degrees to keep bacteria at bay. 

What Are the Health Risks of Improper Storage?

Without proper cold storage, pathogenic bacteria can thrive. Specifically, harmful agents like E. coli and salmonella can cause foodborne illness with serious, and potentially deadly, effects. Perishable items that have entered the Danger Zone are more likely to be contaminated with these disease-causing bacteria.

Symptoms from foodborne illness can include vomiting or diarrhea and abdominal cramping, fever, aches, and fatigue. While some afflicted people will recover on their own, others may need antibiotics. However, severe symptoms always warrant prompt medical attention. 

Proper chilling is one of the four pillars of safe food handling. Other measures include cleaning foods, separating raw items from ready-to-eat ones to prevent cross-contamination, and cooking to the proper temperature. Together, these steps significantly mitigate the risks of poisoning.

As the largest refrigerated food warehouse in Hawaii, Unicold Corporation specializes in cold storage and shipping. Located in Honolulu, this company ships throughout the state, California, and Washington. Their professional, detail-oriented team is committed to keeping customers’ products safe throughout each shipping stage. Find out more about their services online, or call (808) 836-2931 to discuss your needs with a team member.