Most Food-borne Illness is Caused by Bacteria
Food-borne bacteria multiplies quickly at temperatures above 40° F threatening the health of your customers should they consume food that has been compromised by failed or failing freezer and refrigeration units.
If your freezer / refrigeration units fail the potential for massive monetary loss is enormous. You may need to destroy large amounts of frozen or refrigerated foods to protect your customer's health. In a worst case scenario you may be liable to damages as a result of illness cuased by compromised consumables.
Prevention is Key
I am sure that you already take many precautionary steps to safegaurd the quality and freshness of your consumable products. After all your reputation is key to trust and future sales.
Here is a list to review, perhaps it wil bring up something you missed or spark an idea.
- Rotate your stock to ensure the freshest product possible is on the shelf.
- Pull any products that have reached their expiration date.
- Monitor the temperature of all freezers and refrigerated display cases and storage areas.
- Schedule regular maintenance to help prevent breakdowns.
- Replace any units that have simply reached the end of their uselfull life.
- Keep the contact information for a reliable HVAC provider readily available. AEM Mechanical Services, Inc. of Hutchinson, MN comes highly recommended by our clients.
- Develolp a strategic plan and train your staff on what to do in the event a failure is experienced.
So What Do We Do in an Emergency?
Follow the strategic plan your store has developed for this type of equipment failure. Some ideas of what may be included in your plan are listed below.
- Follow all state and federal laws and guidelines related to handling, storage and sale of frozen and regriderated foods.
- Determine the temperature of the affected product. If the temperature has not yet exceeded 40° F you should immediately move the affected product to a working unit.
- Remove and separate any compromised product. Be sure to label it to prevent it from being mixed in with good product.
- Call AEM Mechanical Services Inc. and report the issue and schedule repairs.
Preventing the loss of product and more importantly the reputation of your business in the event of a freezer or refrigeration failure is critical. Good planning, preventive maintenance and training will help your business handle potential failures. Your customers may not say it to you, but they are certain to show their appreciation by continuing to shop in your store.
For more information on preventing freezer and refrigeration failures for your business, call AEM Mechanical Services, Inc. at 320-587-0991.