Commercial food storage is a key component in food service, ensuring that ingredients remain fresh while providing a ready supply to local restaurants and grocers. As a distribution company, you must follow certain regulations to maintain the quality of the products. Here's a closer look at the most common do's and don'ts that uphold the industry standards. 

Do: 

Understand the recommended temperature

Harmful pathogens tend to thrive in environments that are above 41 degrees Fahrenheit. They feed off of nearby food sources, such as meat and produce, and can cause a premature rate of deterioration. Those that aren’t easy to detect could pose a risk to the community, causing a foodborne illness that comes shortly after consumption. 

Follow a proper food storage order

Failing to use the correct order when stacking items on shelves could also promote the growth of pathogens. For example, placing raw meat above fresh produce increases the risk of juices dripping down and landing on the leaves. The simplest method is to keep food that’s ready to eat on the top shelves, while food that requires longer cooking times should remain on the bottom.

Don’t:

Overlook the importance of labeling

With the variety of products that distributors handle on a day-to-day basis, it’s helpful to have labeling that’s quick to identify. If anything sustains damage or expires during the transition, then noting this on the packaging will lower the risk of an accidental delivery. This makes it easier to secure timely substitutes and allows you to separate the products that are no longer acceptable. 

Neglect personal hygiene

It’s common to touch a variety of surfaces when working in a food distribution warehouse. Without proper hygiene, this can increase the spread of bacteria and jeopardize the health of products. Reiterate the importance of hand washing with your employees and post reminders throughout the facility. 
 

If you require commercial food storage, reach out to EuroFreezer Cold Storage in Hialeah, FL. Their cold storage features 29-foot ceilings and over 14,000-square feet of refrigerators and freezer space. Approximately 2,000-square-feet is also available for dry storage. They commit to keeping up with the latest techniques and research equipment that will lower energy costs. Call (305) 392-5555 to speak with a friendly representative about commercial food storage or visit their Facebook page for additional information on their refrigerated storage.