Business owners in Vancouver are familiar with keeping their food and groceries in a reliable cold storage facility. Remaining compliant with the local regulations includes selecting the right type of cold storage facility for your business. Having the right means to store your products saves your business money in the long run as opposed to risking spoilage. A basic fundamental as a business owner is to know about Cold Storage Compliance BC.
Why Cold Storage Compliance Matters
In British Columbia, cold storage regulations are implemented to avoid foodborne illnesses. The Food Premises Regulation (FPR) under the Public Health Act sets clear standards for temperature control, sanitation, facility design, and record-keeping. Failure to comply with such standards would result in incurring fines or being issued a temporary closure of the business. Proving detrimental to daily operations.
Following these standards mentioned above is more than just mere compliance. It is a means to show your loyal customers that the products you display in your business are taken seriously. Customers will see the care that businesses give to their products and be more inclined to buy from such vendors.
Key Areas of Cold Storage Compliance in BC
- Temperature Control and Monitoring
The most critical part of cold storage compliance is maintaining the correct temperature. According to BC guidelines, refrigerated foods should be stored at 4°C or below, while frozen items should remain at -18°C or lower. Routinely check that the monitoring systems are operating as normal. So that any fluctuations are immediately logged and corrected. - Facility Design and Sanitation
Cold storage areas must be placed in areas that are easy to clean and secure to avoid the risk of contamination. Floors, walls, and shelves must be kept sanitary at all times. This is included in the Cold Storage Compliance BC standards to include regular cleaning and strict sanitary routines. - Equipment Maintenance
Failure to provide regular maintenance could disrupt your business and halt operations as it poses a threat to product safety. Don’t skip out on scheduling routine maintenance to ensure consistent operation. - Record-Keeping and Documentation
Keeping a record of documentation is important, whether it is details of temperature logs and cleaning records, any information is vital for management to keep track of during operations. That being said, inspections will also check on this documentation, which shows how important for your facility to follow Cold Storage Compliance BC guidelines. - Employee Training
Employees who come in direct contact with perishable food should know how to properly store it and have the knowledge of each food group’s temperature requirements. A well-trained staff will know how to avoid risking food safety and compliance.
How ADN Can Help
If you are a new business owner and are only getting used to cold storage regulations, you might still be unfamiliar with how to keep it compliant with BC requirements. The same goes when your inventory grows and you find it challenging to manage all of it. ADN Refrigeration’s specialty is managing cold storage solutions in Vancouver for food and grocery businesses. They are professionals who are capable of running a thorough evaluation, identifying lacking points, suggesting improvements, and even recommending possible maintenance support should it be needed.
Having a proactive approach will keep your business running. Their assistance can help you meet all Cold Storage Compliance BC requirements.
Take Action Today
Don’t take kindly to cold storage compliance. As they are set standards for a reason. The safety of your products and the success of your business rely on it. Additionally, keeping up to date on said standards will prevent your business from encountering problems with inspection or equipment failure. Reach out to ADN Refrigeration today for confirmation that your Vancouver cold storage facility is fully compliant with Cold Storage Compliance BC standards.
