GUIDE, CHECKLISTS & LOGS
Fridge Temperature
Logs & Checklist
Stop wasting food. Logit offers easy-to-use refrigerator temperature log and checklists for monitoring daily readings to prevent spoilage and keep your refrigerators and freezers running in optimal conditions.
What is a fridge temperature log and checklist?
A fridge temperature log and checklist is a standard process used for the upkeep and maintenance of refrigerators, freezers, and the food or produce these may contain. This tool has two key elements:
- Temperature Logs: It maintains a freezer and fridge temperature record, shedding light on appliance health or spoilage rate.
- Checklist: It contains a set of instructions, maintenance activities, and essential tasks required to be performed to optimise appliance health and performance, such as inspecting door seals, checking for expired food, measuring coolant levels, and so on.
This two-fold system ensures safe food storage and unlocks appliance performance.
Why do you need a fridge temperature log and checklist?
You may need a fridge temperature log and checklist for the following reasons:
- Compliance with food safety regulations: Food businesses are mandated by law under the Food Safety and Hygiene Regulations to maintain optimum temperatures (ranging from -18°C to 8°C) to prevent spoilage or growth of harmful bacteria. Maintaining a fridge temperature log serves as documented proof that your business is complying with the regulations.
- Traceability and record maintenance: The fridge temperature log keeps a record of storage conditions. This can be helpful in case of breakouts of food-borne illnesses to mitigate liability by demonstrating that stringent food safety practices were followed.
- Maintaining appliance performance: Monitoring fridge temperature regularly helps identify any deviations pointing toward potential issues even before they occur. Such proactive monitoring followed by preventing maintenance avoids costly breakdowns or critical malfunctions.
- Insurance requirements: Maintaining a fridge temperature log may also be a prerequisite for insurance coverage. Documenting these metrics may instill confidence and indicate responsible practices to land attractive premiums.
- Internal control measures: The fridge log and checklist act as an invaluable tool for internal control and management. By tracking historical data and correlating these with usage patterns, you can optimise food safety and appliance maintenance practices.
What are the benefits of using a fridge temperature log and checklist?
Using a fridge temperature log and checklist grants the following benefits:
Decreased food spoilage
Staying vigilant about fridge or freezer temperatures ensures that the food storage conditions are within the recommended safe zones. Such careful monitoring prevents spoilage and wastage.
Enhanced food safety
Improper food temperature can cause bacterial growth or spoilage that can cause food-borne illnesses. A fridge temperature log and checklist maintain consistent and safe temperatures, thereby reducing any harm.
Longer appliance lifespan
A fridge temperature record keeps a historical log of your appliance’s performance. Tracking these values regularly helps identify any deviations and anomalies that may correspond with potential issues that can be addressed instantly.
Improved energy efficiency
You can use the fridge temperature log and checklist to manage energy efficiency. To do this, observe periods or practices that correspond with higher energy consumption to identify the underlying cause and how to address it.
Process standardisation
Monitoring temperatures, standardising processes, and performing regular maintenance offer a sense of control and structure to normal operations. It also establishes set practices that offer peace of mind.
How often should the fridge temperature be checked and logged?
As per the relevant schedules of the Food Safety (Temperature Control) Regulations 1995, food businesses are legally obligated to maintain a temperature of -18°C or below for frozen foods and 8°C or below for chilled foods. This has been reiterated in Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 and The Food Hygiene Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) recommends that your fridge should typically be set between 0°C to 5°C.
As per the regulations cited above, businesses are also required to conform to a documented system to monitor and record fridge and freezer temperatures in accordance with the SC2: Refrigeration Records. Although the FSA does not explicitly prescribe any frequency for fridge temperature checks, it recommends that it must be carried out at least once a day.
You may follow any of the following approaches:
Hourly Checks
Ideal for highly perishable items or situations involving frequent fridge/freezer door openings.
Every 2 - 4 hours
Ideal for consistent and periodic monitoring. Should involve at least a total of 6 records per day.
Daily Checks
Minimum recommended frequency. Should be reserved only for stored items with no fridge/freezer door openings.
Since an inspection every 2 to 4 hours strikes the perfect balance for commercial settings without making the process burdensome, here’s an example of what a daily fridge temperature log would look like:
Who can legally carry out a fridge temperature log and checklist?
Any individual, be it a member of the staff, a designated food safety officer, or even a business owner, can legally document a fridge temperature log and checklist. However, to make their observations more credible and compliant, the person responsible must possess a basic understanding of food hygiene and temperature control procedures while also being trained in record-keeping and thermometer use. They must operate under the supervision of a manager or the food business owner and document accurate, legible, and unambiguous records.
Fridge Temperature Log and Checklist FAQs
Is Logit's fridge temperature log and checklist compliant with the law?
Yes, Logit’s fridge temperature and log checklist offers a structured framework for effective temperature monitoring and recordkeeping. It is designed to assist food businesses in complying with food safety regulations.
How often do I need to carry out a fridge temperature log and checks?
The FSA prescribes daily fridge temperature checks. However, the frequency may vary depending on the nature of your food business, the volume of food involved, and the movement of food items.
What are some key points in a fridge temperature log and checklist?
The key elements of a fridge temperature log and checklist include:
- Date
- Time
- Fridge and freezer temperature readings
- Observations or corrective actions
- Staff initials
It may also include appliance cleaning and maintenance records.
Why choose Logit?
Managing multiple fridges and freezers, each requiring daily temperature checks and record maintenance, can be daunting. The proportionate increase in paperwork can dislodge compliance through human error and result in food safety hazards.
Logit helps food businesses stay healthy by:
Eliminating paperwork and replacing the process with a robust digital record
Automating reminders to perform temperature checks as per schedule
Notifying team members in case of temperature fluctuations
Keeping record of corrective action taken
Documenting photographic proof for two-fold compliance
View more checklists templates
We have many digital checklists and forms designed specifically for any business in any sector. Use our customisable templates to assign repeatable tasks, and ensure teams follow procedures and stay compliant. Logit templates are easy to create and all you need is a mobile device for quick access. Here are just a few of the templates available for you to use as is or customise to meet your specific needs.
Article contributed by
Jon Prete
Jon is a marketing expert and content writer with years of experience researching and writing on topics including SaaS and cloud technology. His 20+ years marketing experience at leading software and tech companies around the globe enhances the quality of the information he shares with audiences.
