When 4.1 million cases of foodborne gastroenteritis are reported in Australia in a single year, the consequences are felt by more stakeholders than the gut itself. The repercussions of foodborne illness present significant financial, reputational and legal issues for food producers and processors.
While there are slight possibilities of food being somehow faulty before it enters the processing stage, there is a much higher possibility that poor temperature controls within food storage environments is the culprit of problems down the line.
Between 5°C and 60°C is considered to be the temperature ‘danger zone’ for food storage. If food is stored for an extended period within this danger zone, it can quickly become unsafe for human consumption.
In order to prevent food from becoming dangerous, and instead extend the life of perishable food products, reduce spoilage and associated health risks to the consumer, maintaining strict temperature controls within food storage environments is key.
It’s all about your cold storage door
A well-insulated cold storage room is necessary to keep temperatures stable and inhibit the growth of harmful foodborne pathogens. Poor insulation is one of the most common ways for heat to infiltrate the storage environment – resulting in a decrease in the consumable life of cold-stored food products as well as dramatic increases in cooling costs and safety hazards for workers.
One of the key ingress points for heat and moisture within cold storage environments is via the open door, typically when products are moved in or out of the storage room. Therefore for businesses with high volume egress points, reducing the time doors remain open can keep temperature fluctuations and moisture concentrations at bay.
Utilising high-speed automatic doors with durable seals and built from high-grade insulation materials can ultimately reduce energy wastage and costs – especially with refrigeration accounting for up to 85% of total energy consumption within the food industry.
Then of course there are WHS compliance issues – whereby any breach of health and safety regulations in the workplace could leave businesses liable for up to $3 million in fines. To ensure safety standards are upheld when entering and exiting cold storage areas, power-operated doors and gates must be equipped with safety features to prevent people being struck or trapped.
High performance door designed for cold storage areas
Specially designed to operate in extreme temperature environments, the Albany RR300 Freeze door eliminates any compromise between temperature control, energy costs and productivity, providing an all-in-one access solution to protect the safety and integrity of perishable food products.
Ideally suited for heavily trafficked areas, the Albany RR300 Freeze features rapid opening and closing speeds for temperature and moisture control in cold storage facilities, as well as contributing to a reduction in energy consumption.
With cutting-edge safety features, Albany RR300 Freeze will also ensure workers and products are effectively protected, whilst increasing operational efficiency around cold storage areas.
For more information on the range of ASSA ABLOY products available for cold storage facilities, click here.