Food Service Establishment Refrigeration Guidelines

General


The average person consumes 2 pounds of food at one sitting (solid and liquid items). About 1-1/2 cubic feet of refrigerator volume per person served is a good starting point when determining refrigeration requirements. A reach-in refrigerator using wire shelves should normally be loaded to 60% volume capacity. Accessories such as pan and tray slides can increase usable space to 90%.

Foods requiring separate refrigeration are fish, bakery products, beverages and ice cream. Storage temperatures:

    Frozen Foods -20°C to 0°F
    Ice Cream -10 to -15°F
    Fish & Shellfish 23 to 30°F
    Meat & Poultry 30 to 38°F
    Dairy Products 38 to 46°F
    Fruits & Vegetables 44 to 50°F

For more details on recommended food refrigeration practices for various products, refer to the 1994 or later edition of the ASHRAE Refrigeration Handbook.