General Health Requirements for Walk-in Coolers and Freezers

If you are a restaurant or bar owner, you likely already know the usefulness of a walk-in freezer. Aside from storing bulk items, you also can use it for cold storage. For those requiring large cold storage spaces, these units are ideal because they keep perishable items organized, safe, and fresh.

National Sanitary Foundation (NSF) Requirements 

To support the planned menu of your restaurant, bar, or food service environment, ample refrigeration and freezers are required by the NSF Food Safety Division. The guidelines are generally set in place to avoid the cross contamination of foods and to adequately preserve food items with the right cooling temperature. As restaurant owners, it is required that you use the Number 2 NSF standard refrigerators for storing pre-packaged foods, bottled beverages, and canned beverages. If you are going to prepare most of your food on a specific surface, then it should be made of stainless steel in compliance with the Number 2 NSF standard. Plastic-coated surfaces are unacceptable for contact with food in the preparation process.

Following the Guidelines

Your walk-in freezer is required to have an automatic door closure. In addition, all doors shorter than 7 feet and narrower than 3 feet 9 inches in width should close firmly within an inch of complete closure. The doors should also be spring hinged to minimize air infiltration when opened. All of these prerequisites were put in place to promote proper health standards.

Secure Your Customer’s Health

To keep your business open, ensure that you are maintaining the guidelines for the right walk-in freezer. The health of your customers depends on it. Take a look around our website for more details about the proper safety standards for your freezer and kitchen.