OPS & SERVICES F&B
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COLD AND HAPPENING An efficient cold storage system plays an important role in food production and preparation BY PRADEEP SUVARNA
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n efficient cold storage system is critical in any food management business, the hotel industry included. Food that is stored properly in the right temperatures and in the right cold storage systems will minimise contamination and deterioration to a significant extent. So important is this issue, that there are industry guidelines about food storage that all hotels and restaurants have to adhere to. In India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has outlined some regulations when it comes to cold storage in the F&B segment. Explaining this, Vishi Oberoi, F&B director at Novotel Imagica Khopoli said, “Frozen food must be stored at -18°C (0°F) in refrigerators, refrigerated display units must be 4°C (40°F) or colder, raw and ready to eat/ cooked food should be stored separately. Also, food should be covered and labeled with date and time of production and expiry. To facilitate cleaning and to deter pests, all food should be kept 15cm (6 inches) above the floor.” Another basic guideline is keeping packaging material covered to avoid contamination and follow the rotate stock method (FIFO - First in, First Out and FEFO - First Expire First Out). The most important rule to follow is keeping rejected material separately to avoid cross contamination. Vivek Kalia, Executive Chef, Indore Marriott Hotel added that while planning the cold storage room, it should be kept in mind that all raw, processed, packaged, rejected, returned or recalled food items are segregated; even allergen material and marked and secured products (hardware & cleaning chemicals) are distinguished. “The storage area for raw food should be kept separated from the area of work-in-progress, processed, cooked and packaged products. Furthermore, containers made of non-toxic materials should be provided for storage of raw materials, work-inprogress and finished / ready to serve products,” he added. THE BIG CHILL An efficient cold storage system plays an important role in food production and preparation. Refrigeration is a tech-
HOTELIER INDIA | JULY 2018 | www.hotelierindia.com