It is important that the cold chain for perishable foods is maintained and routinely monitored to assist in controlling food safety to prevent the growth of pathogenic micro-organisms or the formation of toxins and safely fulfil their stated shelf life.
The commercial storage of chilled foods must therefore comply with The Food Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 and this will assist effective stock management. The Chilled Food Association is one example of an organisation that can assist approved cold store and retailers with advice to maintain their cold chains.
It is recommended that all food businesses are familiar with the requirements of temperature control to ensure the food they handle or produce is safe for consumption. Safer Food, Better Business is a food safety management pack for small catering businesses, such as restaurants, cafés and takeaways that have registered with the local authority as a food business.