Safely Storing Frozen Goods: Fridge Trailers and Cold Rooms Explained

We’re often asked about whether or not it is possible to safely store frozen goods in our fridge trailers and cold rooms. So, we thought we’d write an article addressing this. Many businesses who hire fridge trailers and cold rooms from ourselves actually store frozen goods overnight or throughout the day in their unit, but they shouldn't - here’s how to ensure it’s done safely.

What are Fridge Trailers and Cold Rooms?

Fridge trailers and cold rooms are essential solutions for businesses and events that require temporary or portable refrigeration. A fridge trailer is a mobile unit that can be easily transported and set up at various locations. It is ideal for outdoor events, catering businesses, and any situation where cold storage needs to be flexible and portable. These trailers are equipped with advanced refrigeration systems that maintain a consistent temperature, ensuring that food and beverages remain fresh and safe.

Cold rooms, on the other hand, are stationary units designed for long-term storage of perishable items. They are typically larger than fridge trailers and are installed inside a building. Cold rooms offer more significant storage capacity and are suitable for businesses with consistent refrigeration needs, such as restaurants, grocery stores, and food processing facilities. Both fridge trailers and cold rooms come in various sizes and configurations, providing a range of options to meet different needs.

How to Safely Store Food in Cold Rooms and Refrigerator Rentals

Proper food storage in cold rooms and refrigerator rentals is key for maintaining food safety and quality. Here are some key practices to ensure safe food storage:

Organisation and Placement

Organise food items to ensure proper air circulation. Avoid overloading shelves and ensure that air can flow around items. Store raw meat, poultry, and seafood on lower shelves to prevent them from dripping onto other foods and causing cross-contamination.

Regular Monitoring

Regularly monitor and record the temperature inside the cold room or fridge trailer. Use a thermometer to check the temperature and ensure it remains within the safe range. Immediate action should be taken if the temperature deviates from the set range.

Cleanliness and Hygiene

Keep the cold room or fridge trailer clean. Regularly clean shelves, walls, and floors to prevent the buildup of dirt and bacteria. Use food-safe cleaning products and ensure that there are no spills or residues that could contaminate the food.

Proper Packaging

Ensure that all food items are properly packaged and sealed. Use airtight containers or food-grade wrapping materials to protect food from contamination and moisture loss. Label all items with the date of storage to keep track of their freshness.

Regular Maintenance

Perform regular maintenance on the refrigeration units. Check for any signs of wear or damage and ensure that the refrigeration system is functioning correctly. This includes checking the door seals, fans, and refrigerant levels.

Points to Keep in Mind

We all know the benefits of freezing meat and other perishables, but you need to be careful when it comes to keeping fresh produce or poultry in a cold room.

While you can freeze almost any food when you hire mobile refrigeration UK, refrigerating frozen food will not prolong the life of the food in the same way. It’s therefore important to take into consideration that thawed food will not last for long; the microbes that became inactive when they were frozen will become active again and multiply more quickly once food has thawed, and this is what leads to foodborne illness.

As a result, if you are going to store frozen goods in your fridge trailer or cold room, only use your unit as a short-term solution.

The Bottom Line

If you require a long-term solution, then we recommend a freezer trailer or freezer room for your business. We hire these out in the same way as our refrigerated units, and they’re perfect where extra cold storage is required or as a temporary freezer solution.

Our units maintain a constant set temperature to prolong the life of your food. They are available in 1.8 and 3.0m sizes and they offer lots of usable shelf space, full lighting and compatibility with 13-amp, 16-amp electrical systems or they can be run off a portable generator.

To find out more about our refrigeration solutions, call our team today on 01635 250 950 or fill in our contact form and we will get back to you.