Proper refrigeration is essential to the food and beverage industry. From small consumer appliances for refrigerated milk, coffee and soda to transporting large quantities of temperature-sensitive consumables, refrigeration keeps perishables safe and limits waste.

Given how vital it is to maintain the appropriate environment for storing foods and beverages, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) have published guidelines for food and drink storage temperatures. Organizations operating in these industries must abide by those mandates, so it's important that they follow them closely and ensure they have all the temperature control resources they need.

Importance of Temperature Control for Food and Beverage Companies

The importance of following applicable temperature guidelines extends far beyond basic food safety. Storing foods and beverages correctly plays a direct role in the following:

Food safety: Refrigerating foods and beverages slows the growth of organisms that cause food spoilage and make people ill, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses. With robust temperature monitoring systems in place, leaders can proactively manage the risks of product recalls and the potential for customer illnesses and complaints.
Customer satisfaction: Many food and beverage products must be kept within a specific temperature range for optimal flavor and consistency, both of which are key for quality assurance and promoting high levels of customer satisfaction. Being known for consistently safe, high-quality products can contribute to customer loyalty and a positive brand reputation.
Meeting compliance and legal obligations: Operational leaders must maintain correct storage temperatures to comply with industry standards and food safety regulations. Doing so helps organizations avoid penalties, legal problems and reputational damage.
Cost control and efficiency: Maintaining proper food temperatures impacts operational costs. Proper control helps reduce food waste due to spoilage while extending shelf life and optimizing inventory management. Cutting waste and maximizing product life are key elements in securing cost savings and fostering greater efficiency.

Refrigerated Storage Guidelines

The FSIS and NSF outline food and drink storage guidelines that producers must follow. Keeping facilities in line with these standards will ensure regulatory compliance and contribute to improved product quality and safety:

FSIS: The FSIS states all refrigerator units must be kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Freezers must be kept at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below. The standards also state to freeze fresh poultry, ground meats and fish within two days. Veal, lamb, pork or beef must be frozen or cooked within three to five days.
NSF/ANSI 7: This standard establishes the protection and sanitation requirements for the materials, design, manufacturing and performance of commercial refrigerators and freezers and their related parts. It covers storage refrigerators and freezers, whether they are under the counter, reach-in, walk-in or roll-in. It also sets the guidelines for transport cabinets, beverage coolers, display fridges, buffet units and food preparation units.
NSF/ANSI 169: This standard establishes food sanitation and safety requirements for special-purpose food handling and processing equipment. This category includes equipment not covered under the other standards or with complex or multiple functions, such as refrigeration and heating equipment and refrigerated tumbler equipment.

Safe Temperatures for Food and Beverage

According to the FSIS, hot food should be kept at or above 140 degrees F, while cold foods should stay at or below 40 degrees F. The same is true for hot and cold drink storage temperatures. The range is ideal for keeping carbonated drinks fizzy and cold beverages like beer refreshing. Keeping hot beverages like coffee or tea around 140 degrees F is best for consumer safety.

Best Practices for Temperature-Sensitive Items

Handling perishables according to these best practices is the best way for organizations in the food and beverage industry to mitigate risk:

Invest in Proper Storage Equipment

Commercial refrigeration units, freezers and temperature control monitors can help you maintain precise temperature control for perishable items. Temperatures that drop too low or rise too high can impact product quality and have serious implications for operations managers, making it important to regularly calibrate your equipment to ensure accuracy.

On some occasions, however, you may find yourself with a product overage or equipment failure that makes it necessary for you to find additional resources. In these instances, temperature control rental solutions from a reliable provider are an excellent way to maintain safe food and beverage temperatures until you can identify an alternative solution. A reputable rental solution will also provide installation services and on-site maintenance to ensure your rental meets your product storage requirements.

Monitor Temperature Continuously

During product storage and transport, it is a good practice to utilize a temperature monitoring system. The proactive approach allows you to maintain safe temperatures for your perishable items. Setting up alerts is important as well, as doing so enables you to monitor temperatures in real time. The technology will alert you when temperatures fall too low or too high so you can take corrective action.

Establish Standard Operating Procedures

Always provide employees and stakeholders with thorough instructions for handling temperature-sensitive items, including proper packaging techniques, equipment handling procedures, and loading and unloading instructions. Provide training to all employees, ensuring they understand the temperature requirements of each product as well as how to package, load and unload goods and clean and sanitize their work areas.

Maintain Temperature Records

Temperature sensors in warehouses automatically collect and store data, making it easier to identify temperature excursions. Document and maintain these records, including temperature logs, storage conditions and corrective actions taken. Documentation is critical to demonstrate compliance with regulations.

Collaborate With Suppliers

Work closely with suppliers, ensuring all stakeholders understand the location and temperature data of each cold chain shipment. They should also receive status alerts from a cloud-based solution to make sure all temperature-sensitive items are transported and delivered under the correct conditions. Keeping these communication channels open is important to promptly address product quality or temperature control issues.

Choose Temperature Control Rental Solutions (TCRS) for Temperature Management Solutions

Understanding temperature storage guidelines and refrigeration requirements for food and beverages is vital. Following best practices helps you manage temperature-sensitive items, minimizing the risks of noncompliance while maintaining product quality and reputation. Consistent adherence to industry standards and regulations is the key to customer satisfaction and success.

Choosing TCRS for your temperature management solutions means quick access to reliable, well-maintained equipment that's ready when you need it. We understand the critical nature of the food and beverage industry, and our experts are always happy to respond to requests. Rely on us for a streamlined rental process with fast delivery and setup, plus 24/7 solutions.

Our rental equipment for the food and beverage industry includes chillers, cooling towers, heating equipment and dehumidifiers to fulfill temperature requirements for your products. We source our equipment through an exclusive partnership with the Cat® equipment dealer network. Contact us to speak with an expert about your heating and cooling needs.

Food and Beverage Temperature Storage Guidelines