Coolroom Shelving = The Shelving Elite

We like to refer to coolroom shelving as the ‘shelving elite’. When storing food and drink for human consumption, it is of the utmost importance to choose a system that is not only functional, but one that ticks all the boxes when it comes to food safety. Not just any old shelving will do, and let’s be honest, no one wants to be ‘that’ cafe or restaurant that is featured in the news for a food poisoning outbreak.

Food poisoning affects approximately 4.1 million Australians every year and the majority of cases are caused by harmful pathogens getting into food. Did you know that these pathogens can live and be spread on food preparation surfaces?

The cost effect of an outbreak of food poisoning can be astronomical. Consequences include huge penalties for vendors, potential loss of customers, and negative associations to your business name should an outbreak occur. In this day and age, one case of food poisoning posted on social media can create a negative social media footprint for your business that can last for years. Even more worrying, the cases of litigation should a business be deemed at fault is rising.

However, shelving that has been specifically manufactured for use in coolrooms is constructed in a way that minimises this risk. Remember, nothing can replace cleanliness in a kitchen environment, but for your peace of mind, know that by selecting a storage system that has been treated specifically for food, you are choosing the safest storage system for your business and customers.

Let’s take a look below at what makes a proper cold storage system superior to its counterparts.

At bare minimum, it must have a zinc or galvanised coating.

Why?

Health regulations are applied to this product due to the nature of it’s use. Zinc is the most popular electroplated coating and offers the best protection against rust and corrosion, giving your product a longer life and protecting your food from contamination.

Our wire shelving is zinc coated and suitable for loads of 80-100kgs per shelf, providing the stock is evenly distributed across the shelves. It can be used for both cold and dry storage.

We recommend this product for dry products or items that are sealed well or stored in boxes. Liquid can corrode the metal, especially acidic food such as tinned tomatoes.

Is there something even better?

Yes! To offer your stock and business maximum protection, we recommend Mantova shelving and storage.

Why?

For one, selected Mantova shelving is HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) approved.

HACCP Australia is a leading food science organisation specialising in the HACCP Food Safety Methodology. The purpose of this organisation is to identify hazards then come up with ways of managing those hazards, with the overall aim being to reduce the risks of food contamination through individualised action plans and HACCP based Food Safety Programs.

During the assessment process, every step in the manufacture, storage and distribution of a food product is scientifically analyzed for microbiological, physical and chemical hazards. This is not something that businesses can do on their own without the help of professionals.

Once the plans and programs are deemed a success, the product can be endorsed as food safe under HACCP Australia guidelines.

Both our MSpan and ABS Tuff Shelf Mantova shelving are HACCP approved.

But there’s more!

Both MSpan and ABS Tuff Shelf have built in antimicrobial product protection, called LIFE (Life Materials Technologies Limited).

Even though we can’t see them, microbes are everywhere, and these microscopic life forms include bacteria, fungi and algae. All of these life forms have the potential to cause issues in an environment that stores food for human consumption.

LIFE has developed a technology that is built into the coolroom shelving systems during the manufacturing process and will last the life of the shelves. This product helps to keeps you shelf cleaner and more hygienic by attacking the bacteria that can contaminate food surfaces. The active ingredient will not wash or wear away and provides continuous antimicrobial protection.

It is important to note that LIFE is not a replacement for good hygiene practices and will in no way prevent food borne illnesses.

So there you have it! As you can see by the points mentioned above, it is so important to set your business up for success when it comes to coolroom shelving choices. Remember, not just any old storage system will do.

Questions? Our team is happy to help, please contact us at any time.