Fresh food, agricultural products, seafood, and similar products all need proper preservation to maintain the highest quality. As a result, many businesses are turning to cold storage food as an effective solution. So, what is cold storage for food preservation, and what are the key benefits it offers compared to traditional preservation methods? Let’s explore these advantages with New Era Cold Storage (NECS) in the following discussion.
1. What is food storage?
Cold storage food preservation is specifically designed to store and maintain all types of food. The facility is equipped with a cooling system that regulates the appropriate temperature and humidity levels. This ensures that products stored in the warehouse remain in optimal condition, free from damage or degradation in quality.
2. Effects when using cold storage to preserve food
Using cold storage to preserve food not only helps businesses reduce depreciation costs and minimize waste from quick spoilage, but also offers several additional benefits:
2.1. Keep food quality intact
When food is left out in the open environment without proper storage, it becomes vulnerable to harmful bacteria, leading to spoilage and mold. Using cold storage is a safe and efficient solution to help preserve the food’s natural color and flavor. Most importantly, it ensures that essential nutritional value is retained.
2.2. Significantly increases storage time and shelf life
Cold storage is designed with adjustable temperature controls to suit the specific needs of each type of food. This allows food to be preserved for extended periods without spoiling.
2.3. Meets hygiene and food safety standards well
All activities in cold storage are controlled and operated according to strict protocols, which help prevent the infiltration of contaminants. This ensures that food remains hygienic and safe, minimizing the risk of illness for consumers.
3. What foods need to be refrigerated?
There are various methods for preserving food in cold storage, but the preservation method depends on the type of food. Below are the food groups that require refrigeration:
3.1. Preserving meat and fish
For meat and fish, the following preservation requirements should be noted:
- Fresh pork: When stored in cold storage, pork should be packaged in bags and neatly arranged. It can be stored for 4 to 12 months at temperatures between -18℃ and -25℃.
- Poultry: Similar to pork, poultry should be cleaned and sorted before refrigeration. In freezing conditions, it should be stored at temperatures ranging from -18℃ to -25℃ and can be kept for up to 12 months.
- Fish: Fish must be cleaned and properly drained to prevent its odor from spreading to other foods. The optimal preservation conditions for fish in cold storage are also between -18℃ and -25℃.
3.2. Preserving fresh fruits and vegetables
Fresh vegetables, tubers, and fruits can lose their natural nutrients if not properly preserved. To store these types of foods, place them in a plastic bag, zip-lock bag, or container. Make sure they are dry before refrigeration, as moisture can reduce their freshness over time.
4. Ideal temperature when storing food in cold storage
In cold storage food, it is essential to maintain the temperature at an appropriate level to ensure the freshness and safety of the food. Typically, the temperature for food preservation in cold storage ranges from -18℃ to -22℃. This ideal temperature helps prevent the growth of bacteria and harmful microorganisms that can cause food spoilage.
Accordingly, the standards for storage temperature for each food group are specified in the illustration table below:
Food type | Ideal temperature (degrees Celsius) |
Meats (pork, beef, chicken, fish,…) | -18℃ to -25℃
|
Packaged fruits and vegetables | -18℃ to -25℃ |
Fresh seafood (fish, shrimp,…) | -18℃ to -25℃ |
Packaged yogurt and ice cream | -18℃ to -25℃ |
5. Standards for evaluating quality frozen food storage
Meeting regulations on temperature, humidity, hygiene, as well as maintenance and safe operation, is crucial for companies operating cold storage food. Below are some important standards that cold storage facilities need to comply with:
5.1. Temperature and humidity standards
The storage temperature in cold storage food depends on the type of food and the desired storage duration. Because each product has different temperature requirements, cold storage must maintain a stable temperature within the range of -20°C to +20°C to effectively preserve a variety of products. Additionally, humidity levels should be kept at 85% or lower.
5.2. Food hygiene and safety standards
Cold storage must be equipped with an adequate quantity and the appropriate types of specialized tools for cleaning and disinfecting the facility. Additionally, these tools should be cleaned after each use and stored in their designated places.
Cold storage must be cleaned and disinfected regularly, at least once a year. The floors should be cleaned frequently to prevent slipping hazards. Additionally, it is essential to provide all necessary personal protective equipment for workers, including cold-resistant clothing, hats, boots, gloves, and masks, to ensure their safety while working in the cold storage environment.
5.3. Maintenance and operation standards
Food stored in cold storage must be arranged in a way that does not obstruct the circulation of cold air or directly affect the product temperature. Additionally, goods should be organized using the “first in, first out” (FIFO) method or stored for the shortest possible duration. This practice helps prevent products from exceeding their expiration dates.
In addition, it is essential to repair and maintain any damaged cold storage and auxiliary equipment to ensure that insulation and refrigeration systems operate at their optimal efficiency.
6. Why should you rent NECS cold storage for food preservation?
The demand for food preservation among businesses is growing. Consequently, cold storage rental facilities are required to offer professional services, ensuring that the quality of goods consistently meets the highest standards.
New Era Cold Storage (NECS) is one of the leading providers of cold storage rental services in Vietnam. Our facility meets international standards and is certified with EDGE Certification , EU Code: TS 1075, and quality standards including ISO 22000:2018, ISO 9001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018.
- Strategically located, our cold storage connects Ho Chi Minh City with the western provinces and the ring road, facilitating efficient import and export of goods. The total capacity of the NECS warehouse system is up to 145,000 pallets, fully accommodating the frozen food storage needs of all customers
- We maintain a storage temperature of -20°C (± 2°C) to ensure that food is preserved in the best possible condition. Our facility is equipped with comprehensive fire protection systems and vehicles for transporting, loading, and unloading goods, ensuring smooth and safe operations.
- Managed by a team of reputable and highly specialized experts, NECS is committed to delivering the highest quality of service.
We hope the information above provides valuable insights into popular cold storage fruit solutions today. If you are interested in our cold storage food preservation services, please contact New Era Cold Storage (NECS) at our Hotline: 0939.121212 for the fastest consultation and quotation.