Perishable goods have a limited shelf life and deteriorate quickly if not stored or transported under suitable conditions. Due to their susceptibility to spoilage, contamination, or decay, they need special care. That’s where cold stores come into the picture. They are specially designed facilities that use low temperatures to preserve the quality and freshness of these goods. These facilities use refrigeration units to maintain a controlled temperature environment. The temperature and humidity levels are carefully monitored to ensure that the goods’ shelf life is extended.
How Does Cold Temperature Help to Preserve Perishable Goods?
Low or cold temperature slows down the growth of microorganisms, the leading cause of food spoilage. Bacteria, mould, and yeast thrive in warm temperatures but cannot survive in cold temperatures. This is why storing perishable goods in a cold environment can significantly extend their shelf life.
Common Cold Storage Facilities
There are different cold storage facilities, and they are designed to meet the specific needs of the stored goods. Some of the most common types of cold storage include:
Refrigeration
This is the most common type of cold storage used to store goods that need to be kept cool but not frozen. The temperature in a refrigerated storage facility is typically between 0°C and 8°C.
Freezing
This type of cold storage is used to store goods that need to be frozen. The temperature in a frozen storage facility is typically below -18°C.
Cryogenic Storage
This type of cold storage uses liquid nitrogen or other cryogenic gases to store goods at extremely low temperatures. The temperature in a cryogenic storage facility can be as low as -196°C.
Benefits of Using Cold Stores
Extends Shelf Life
Cold stores can extend the shelf life of perishable goods by several weeks or even months. This allows businesses to store more food and reduces the need to make frequent deliveries.
Improves Quality
They help maintain perishable goods’ quality and freshness. This is important for businesses like grocery stores and meat shops.
Reduces Food Waste
Cold stores can help to reduce food waste by preventing perishable goods from spoiling. This benefits businesses as it saves their money and the environment due to less waste ending up in landfills.
Improves Food Safety
Cold stores help to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, which can cause food poisoning. This is important for protecting public health.
Conclusion
Cold storage facilities are a vital part of the food supply chain as they are crucial in preventing wastage. They preserve the quality and freshness of perishable goods, increase customer satisfaction, reduce food borne illness risk, and increase cost savings. To make cold storage even more effective and environmentally beneficial going forward, it is critical to solve issues with energy usage and sustainability.
Scandia Refrigeration is a leading designer, manufacturer, and installer of cold stores in the UK. Their facilities are made to measure and can be tailored to meet each customer’s specific needs. They are also made to last and are designed to provide maximum efficiency and uptime