Guidelines to Storing Your Dairy Products in a Cold Store

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Milk is known for its essential nutrients. Rich in calcium, protein, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins and fats that the body needs, according to milk.co.uk, a glass of milk a day contributes to the recommended intake of many important nutrients for all age groups. However, in order to preserve its freshness and obtain these nutrients, milk should be properly packaged and stored.

 

Importance of Cold Stores for Milk Products

1. To avoid contaminated milk products

Milk is almost sterile for the first three to four hours after extraction from cows and other types of livestock that produce milk. The natural inhibitors in milk, like lactoferrin and lactoperoxide, prevent any significant rise in bacteria. However, it is not safe to drink at this point.

The need for milk can be found in almost every household around the world. Milk should be preserved correctly in cold storage facilities with a temperature of 4 ⁰C; the cold temperature helps retard bacterial growth, preserving the milk’s quality for human consumption.

2. To prevent financial loss

Temperatures above 4 ⁰C tend to spoil milk rapidly. Milk that has been exposed to high temperatures simply cannot be sold, resulting in major financial loss to suppliers and retailers alike.

Good sanitation is important as it can prevent milk from causing illnesses like food poisoning. Cold storage can increase the shelf life and improve the quality of dairy products but perhaps more importantly, companies won’t need to worry about supplying their customers with dairy products that aren’t fit for consumption.

 

Milk Storage Product Guide

The chart below demonstrates the recommended storage times and temperatures for milk and other dairy products:

Dairy Products Store Guidelines

 

1Cold offers cold store options for food manufacturing facilities. Our wide range of temperature controlled environments delivers value engineered solutions for different industries, including businesses that produce and handle dairy products.

4 Energy-Saving Tips for Industrial Refrigeration Systems

energy-saving checklist

Refrigeration is one of the main causes of high energy costs in the food and drink industry. Here is an energy-saving checklist that can help you to limit industrial refrigeration costs and eventually make noticeable savings.

1.   Check the system regularly.

Checking the refrigeration system regularly can help you to discover potential problems in the system. There are several tell-tale signs that might help you to determine whether there is a problem in the refrigeration system:

  • Frequent unnecessary noises
  • The accumulation of ice on evaporators
  • Fragments on condensers
  • Bubbles in sight glasses

Check for these possible problems on a regular basis and you will be able to generate immediate solutions to prevent them from becoming worse.

2.   Avail maintenance services.

Just like any other systems, breakdowns and failures can also occur in refrigeration systems. This can result in costly repairs. Reduce the risk of system breakdowns through regular maintenance. Hire a skilled contractor that can maintain your refrigeration system. This will help to eliminate the supplementary cost of unexpected repairs.

3.   Be aware of the system controls.

Familiarise yourself with the whole refrigeration system so you can easily determine whether there is a problem or not. Aside from the components, you should also be aware of the refrigeration system controls. Some have a simple on/off switch, while other types of refrigeration systems have additional intricate controls. No matter how simple or complicated the system controls are, make sure that you are aware of how they function and work.

4.   Promote good habits.

Promote good habits whilst maximising the industrial refrigeration system. This can help to reduce a potential loss in energy costs. A very good habit to get into is to simply keep the doors and blinds of the industrial refrigeration unit closed when not in use.

If you want to invest in a new industrial refrigeration system, a reliable company like 1Cold Ltd. can help. Offering highly efficient industrial refrigeration systems that will suit your needs, if you want to learn more about 1Cold Ltd, please contact 01564 702 269.

Food Products that Should Remain Outside Your Refrigerator

non-refrigerated foods

Many establishments prefer industrial refrigeration to maintain the quality of the products that they offer, especially food and drinks. However, not all food products are recommended to put in the refrigerator.

What food products should not be placed in the refrigerator?

  • ONIONS

It is better to place onions in a pantry rather than inside a refrigerator. Extremely low temperatures can make onions softer and may cause them to lose their freshness. Other food inside the refrigerator may also adopt the smell of onions. Avoid putting potatoes near onions because they can cause onion rot.

  • TOMATOES

Low temperatures can obliterate the freshness and flavour of tomatoes. Tomatoes are better placed in a room of average temperature and out of direct sunlight.

  • HONEY

Honey has its own preservatives. It will harden and thicken in low temperatures.

  • AVOCADO

Uncut avocado won’t ripen inside the refrigerator. Preferring average temperatures, the avocado will ripen and maintain its natural flavour. On the other hand, if you have cut the avocado, it is best to put it inside the refrigerator. Make sure you consume within 48 hours to avoid rot.

  • BREAD

People often place their bread in the refrigerator with the intention of prolonging its life and preventing the formation of mould. The truth is, putting your bread in the refrigerator will make it dry and less tasty. It will not prolong the bread’s life.

  • COFFEE

Coffee beans and coffee grounds should not be placed in a low-temperature area. Due to condensation, frozen coffee can lose its natural flavour. You can store coffee in an airtight container to maintain its texture.

Are you looking for a cold room provider? Call 1COLD Ltd on 01564 702 269 for more information.

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