Frozen food storage tips

Are you getting stocked up for those last-minute Christmas parties?

Are your freezers filled with turkeys, roast potatoes, sausage rolls, Yorkshire puddings, Christmas cakes and ready-to-bake pizzas?

Running a commercial food operation of any kind always brings its own set of challenges, and storing frozen food is right there at the forefront.

For example, did you know that the UK wastes 9.5 million tons of food each year?

Now, most of that comes from households. However, the commercial sector is still responsible for almost a million tons of wasted food. That’s a lot of food waste, especially when most of it could have been eaten. With the proper practices, perhaps we can reduce these numbers.

Whether you run a busy restaurant, a catering service or any other food-based business, getting your frozen food storage right is key to reducing waste, ensuring food safety and keeping everything running smoothly. This blog explains why.

Temperature control

Ultimately, temperature is the fundamental thing to get right. Keeping a low temperature is, after all, the most basic function of a commercial freezer. If your unit’s temperature is off (and especially if it’s too warm), the quality and safety of your food will be compromised. The best temperature for storing food is -18°C (0°F). Anything warmer, and you risk bacterial growth. Anything colder won’t impact food safety but will mean you use more energy than necessary.

Monitoring this temperature regularly is a critical part of frozen food maintenance. Here are several methods to help you:

• Own freezers with easy-to-read, adjustable digital temperature settings.
• Use freezers with alarm settings to alert you if the temperature rises above the threshold.
• Invest in reliable digital thermometers and place them inside the unit. Compare their readings with the freezer’s display. Keep a record of these temperatures to track any changes.

Organise your storage

Organisation isn’t just about making everything look neat and pretty (although that’s undoubtedly an essential part of it). It’s more about efficiency and safety. For instance, in a busy kitchen, staff need to find the food they’re looking for quickly, without creating a mess, and all while keeping out of each other’s ways.

Your starting point should be ensuring you have the correct type of freezer. You’ll find various categories and varieties (such as those listed on our website). For example, upright freezers offer better visibility and easier access for smaller items. In contrast, chest freezers are great for bulkier goods you don’t need to access frequently.

A well-organised freezer also means keeping track of what’s in it – and what’s past its best-before date. FIFO (First In, First Out) is a tried and tested system for this. Essentially, the oldest products should be used first. This helps prevent stock from going to waste and ensures your food is always fresh. It also enables you to keep your inventory manageable. You won’t find yourself scrambling to use food forgotten at the bottom of the freezer.

There’s a certain combination of science and art when stocking a freezer. Take care to arrange items by food type and use frequency. Place the items you use most often at the front or top of the freezer, remembering that the highest point of the freezer is also the warmest (while the lowest is the coldest). Meats, poultry and fish should be stored separately to prevent cross-contamination.

Finally, avoid overloading your freezer. Air circulation is key to maintaining a consistent temperature, so make sure there’s enough space for airflow.

Food safety regulations and best practices

Food safety is, of course, paramount. Storing frozen food properly isn’t just about keeping it in good, fresh, tasty condition – it’s about keeping your customers safe. It’s required by law, and severe mistakes or negligence can cost people their lives, so food safety must always be taken seriously.

In the UK, the regulatory body for food safety is the FSA (Food Standards Agency). It has strict guidelines on frozen food storage. These include maintaining appropriate temperatures, using food-grade containers, and keeping raw foods separate from ready-to-eat items. It’s also vital to check up on additional local laws and regulations. You must also follow these to stay compliant.

It’s also worth talking about food labels here. They aren’t solely for organisational purposes (although, again, that’s an important aspect). Labels help you track when food was placed in storage and its expiry date, making it much easier to rotate stock and keep everything safe. Labels should include the following information (as a minimum):

• Item name
• Date of freezing
• Expiry date
• How quickly to use after thawing
• Any relevant allergens

Hygiene and cleaning

Most people aren’t huge fans of cleaning, but it’s a critical job. Regularly cleaning your commercial freezer maintains hygiene and prevents build-up (of ice or dirt).

Wipe down surfaces with warm soapy water and dry them thoroughly. Remove any ice that accumulates inside your freezer, as it affects temperature consistency and takes up valuable storage space.

If you spot a problem, like a door seal that’s gone faulty, fix it immediately to avoid energy wastage or freezer malfunctions. Regular checks on these small details will help keep your freezer working efficiently and your food stored safely.

Troubleshooting common commercial freezer issues

No matter how well you maintain your frozen food storage, problems can still crop up. Here are a few common issues and how to handle them:

• Ice build-up: If ice is building up on the walls or the coils, it may be time to manually defrost your freezer. In other words, unplug the freezer to let it thaw. Bring some gentle equipment (like a plastic spatula or even a hairdryer to speed up the process). Check for any blockages around the vents as well.
• Inconsistent temperatures: If the temperature fluctuates, there could be a problem with the thermostat, or the freezer may be overloaded. Ensure the thermostat is working correctly and that the freezer is not too packed, as this can affect airflow and temperature stability. Otherwise, it’s probably time to replace the thermostat or fans.
• The freezer is too noisy: Strange noises could indicate that the motor or fan is failing. If you’re unsure, it’s worth calling a professional to inspect and repair it before things worsen.

Having a plan in place for these common issues ensures you’re ready when something goes wrong, saving you from costly repairs or food losses.

Set your freezer up for success!

As we’ve seen, frozen food storage requires far more planning than simply throwing items into the freezer. It’s about making sure your food (and drink!) is stored safely, efficiently and cost-effectively. As with any equipment, maintaining your freezer with regular checks and cleaning helps it run at its best.

If you’re looking for new or upgraded commercial fridges and freezers that fit the bill, Fridgesmart has the equipment you need to streamline your storage and protect your business. Don’t wait for a breakdown. Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you keep your frozen food storage running smoothly.