Efficient commercial refrigeration is vital for Melbourne hospitality businesses

Melbourne is well-known as a serious foodie hot spot and it’s no surprise the city is jam-packed with a vast array of eating establishments from burger joints to five-star degustation offerings.

But whatever the menu and price points, all establishments serving food must adhere to the same strict legal requirements concerning the storing of food and foodstuffs both before and during preparation and serving. Good quality commercial refrigeration in Melbourne food businesses is crucial.

Food safety practices are regulated by the Food Act 1984. The Act requires all food business operators and food handlers to comply with its standards in order to reduce the risk of food contamination.

Potentially hazardous foods include meats, dairy products, seafood, processed foods, cooked pasta, foods containing eggs and foods that contain any of these ingredients such as sandwiches. It is imperative that these foods are kept under strict temperature control to reduce any contamination.

The Food Act requires that potentially hazardous foods are kept between five degrees Celsius and 60 degrees Celsius.  The “danger zone” is anywhere between five and 60 degrees Celsius and businesses need to limit the amount of time foods are kept within this zone as the opportunity for contamination increases markedly.

It is quite wonderful to walk into a cafe and see all the exquisite looking pastries and treats on display, but those foods must still comply with the relevant standards as set down in the Food Act. These foods must be covered and kept under temperature control at all times. If they are not kept under temperature control, time is used as the method of controlling the safety of the food. For example, if cream-filled cakes are on display, they need to be used within two hours or refrigerated. If they are displayed for more than two hours but less than four hours, the cakes need to be used immediately. More than four hours? The cakes need to be thrown away and are not safe to be consumed.

The importance of commercial refrigeration in hospitality businesses cannot be underestimated. For Melbourne commercial refrigeration equipment and services, MNK Technical Services has the team you can rely on 24-hours a day, seven days a week.