Why Your Cold Storage Rooms May Be Promoting the Growth of Bacteria
When it comes to cool rooms and temperature-controlled environments, the objective is to maintain a bacteria-free zone. However- contrary to common understanding, bacteria can develop in cool rooms- even in cold rooms and freezers. How is that possible and what factors contribute to the growth of bacteria in cold storage? These are the exact questions that we will explore ahead.
Can microorganisms grow in cold temperatures?
Microorganisms, including bacteria, are present in every part of our biosphere. Several varieties can grow in cool rooms and even below the freezing point. For instance, Aeromonas hydrophobia, a microbe commonly found in seafood as well as water, can grow in temperatures between minus 2 to 45 degrees Celsius. Many other microorganisms can grow in the 0-2 degree Celsius range.
What promotes the growth of bacteria in cool rooms?
Even though cool rooms and refrigeration greatly decrease the growth of bacteria, it is not 100%. There are certain conditions in cold rooms too that promote their growth. Cold rooms are generally damp enclosures due to the condensate film that they produce. This condition of moisture is an ideal setting for the growth of mould and many types of bacteria.
The DNA of microbes is also evolving with time, which is making it possible for them to grow and multiply even at lower temperatures. Add that to the damp conditions inside cold rooms and you can expect your cool rooms to also witness bacterial growth. This could cause serious issues- especially in cold storage for food and perishables. The question remains- how can that be prevented?
Preventing bacterial growth in cool rooms
One of the first and most important things to be done in cool rooms is temperature regulation. Cold rooms need to be kept the lowest permitted temperature as per the items stored in them. In addition to that, any condition that increases humidity in them must be controlled. Spills should be cleaned immediately. Any staff entering them must ensure hygiene and ensure that no additional moisture is introduced in the room.
COLORBOND® Coolroom steel for cool rooms
However, all that may not be sufficient at times, and this is where COLORBOND® Coolroom steel comes in. This is a special type of steel that is manufactured to be used in the panels in cool rooms. It is used in the wall lining and ceilings of cold storage rooms and food processing facilities. COLORBOND® Coolroom steel increases durability and also has increased corrosion resistance which makes it the ideal choice for cool rooms. Using the COLORBOND® Coolroom steel along with other hygiene practises helps to create a surface that discourages the growth of bacteria to a large extent.
It is also durable enough to withstand the stringent cleaning process to keep cold rooms bacteria-free. This is a replacement for COLORBOND® Permagard® and is HACCP Australia certified along with compliance of Australian Standards for metal coating and Australian Standards ASNZS 2728 for paint. With the COLORBOND® Coolroom steel, you have the assurance of keeping your cool rooms stay bacteria-free and hygienic.
Contact us today to find out more and get a free quote!