Food safety is vital in any kitchen, but it has particularly serious ramifications in commercial culinary environments. Taking the appropriate measures to organize your commercial refrigeration products is the first step toward safeguarding the quality of your food and ensuring the safety of your patrons. 

A Guide to Organizing a Commercial Fridge to Promote Food Safety

1. Avoid Overfilling Shelves

Placing consumables close to one another to cram as much as possible into your refrigerator can be counterproductive. While it may seem like a good way to save space, it prevents proper air circulation. The food won’t stay as cold as it should, leading to uneven spots that cause premature spoilage. Always leave at least a few inches worth of space between the food and the fridge walls to maintain their condition.

2. Store Meat Low

Even if you package your meat meticulously, be safe by placing it on the lowest shelf of your commercial refrigeration system. This prevents any liquids from spilling onto other items in the fridge and potentially causing cross-contamination. If the packaging does leak, wipe away the mess immediately and toss any affected items.

3. Label the Shelving

New employees learning the ropes aren’t always certain where to put certain foods. Help them along and protect the fridge by labeling each shelf. This ensures that cooking ingredients remain separate from prepared foods and that meats and cheeses are set apart from starches and desserts. 

4. Toss Questionable Items

Never take a chance on food that doesn’t have an expiration date or that you aren’t certain is safe. When cleaning out your commercial refrigeration system, take stock of everything on each shelf. If there’s something that you don’t recognize or that has an unusual odor, throw it away. It’s not worth risking your diners’ safety or your restaurant’s reputation. Also, wipe down the surfaces regularly to ensure that they stay sanitary.

Along with maintaining a clean commercial refrigeration system, it’s equally important to schedule regular maintenance to prevent breakdowns and protect your patrons from foodborne illnesses. Restaurant owners throughout Fayette County, KY, trust in the professionals at Dickerson’s Commercial Refrigeration & HVAC. They’ve served the area since 1968 and are proud to offer a variety of services, including walk-in cooler, freezer, and ice machine repairs. Visit them online for details, or call (859) 254-1436 to schedule an appointment.