Yes, you absolutely need to record all fridge temperatures, even when they're within the normal range. It's a legal requirement to monitor and record fridge temperatures. These records create an essential paper trail that proves you're maintaining proper food safety standards. Using the Pilla app to record temperatures will automatically log who checked it and when.
Common misunderstanding: Recording fridge temperatures is only necessary during health inspections or when there are issues with the fridge.
This is incorrect. Consistent recording of fridge temperatures is a continuous requirement, not just during health inspections or when problems arise. Regular documentation ensures compliance with food safety regulations and helps in early detection of potential issues, thus preventing food spoilage and ensuring customer safety.
Missing temperature checks can be problematic because you won't have documentation to show health inspectors that your fridges were operating correctly during that time. Even if the temperatures were fine, without the records, you can't prove it. That's why it's crucial to maintain consistent twice-daily recordings. If you've forgotten to check a fridge, there's not much you can do afterwards about it. Consider updates you can make to you routine to make sure you don't forget again or consider extra training for staff.
Common misunderstanding: If you miss a temperature check, you can simply estimate the temperatures and record them later.
Estimating and recording temperatures after the fact is not acceptable and may be considered a violation of food safety protocols. Accurate, real-time data is essential for compliance and safety. It's important to implement reliable routines and automated reminders to ensure checks are conducted and recorded without fail.
When recording temperatures in Pilla, you need to log the actual temperature reading from each fridge unit. The target temperature should be below 5°C, though the critical limit is 8°C. If you notice any issues and take corrective actions then record these in the comments section. Remember that these records are your proof of due diligence in maintaining food safety standards.
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Fridge temperatures should be checked and recorded twice per day or once per shift. Regular checking helps identify any issues early, preventing potential food safety problems.
Food that has been above 8°C must be discarded after 4 hours. This rule is strictly applicable only once and cannot be applied multiple times for periods under 4 hours each.
If you discover that the fridge temperature is above 8°C, you should immediately take the following steps: (1) Check the actual food temperature using a clean, sanitised probe thermometer.
Raw meat should always be stored on the lowest shelf of the fridge to prevent drips from contaminating other foods.
Yes, you can use cling film to cover food in the display fridge as long as it is food-grade wrapping. Ensure that your display fridge also has proper sneeze guards or screening to protect the food.
Batch-cooked food should be consumed within three days, including the day it was prepared. For instance, if the food is cooked on Tuesday, it should be used by the end of Thursday.
Ideally, fresh fish should be stored in a separate fridge set at a temperature below 3°C to meet its specific cooling requirements.
Fridge seals should be inspected weekly to check their condition and cleanliness. This regular maintenance helps keep the fridge working efficiently.
If the duration of the fridge outage overnight is unknown and you cannot verify that the food temperature has remained below 8°C using a probe thermometer, it is safer to discard all the food and record it as waste. However, if the temperature checks confirm the food is below 8°C, you can safely transfer it to another working fridge. This approach prevents unnecessary waste while ensuring compliance with food safety standards.
When food is stored in a fridge and the temperature is between 6-8°C, it should be checked hourly to ensure it doesn't exceed 8°C.
No, you should not put hot food directly into the fridge. Doing so can raise the temperature inside the fridge, potentially affecting other stored foods and causing temperature fluctuations.
Ensure there is adequate space around all sides of items in your fridge, particularly at the back and sides of the unit, to allow cold air to flow freely.
If you don't have access to an alternative refrigeration unit during a breakdown, you must use the affected food within 4 hours if the temperature rises above 8°C.
If the fridge seal is damaged, it's important to address the issue immediately as it can lead to warm air entering the fridge and cause temperature fluctuations.