{"id":3892,"date":"2021-05-13T15:26:26","date_gmt":"2021-05-13T15:26:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lsicorp.com\/jsi\/?p=3892"},"modified":"2024-06-19T09:56:27","modified_gmt":"2024-06-19T13:56:27","slug":"food-safety-is-everyones-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lsicorp.com\/jsi\/food-safety-is-everyones-business\/","title":{"rendered":"Food safety is everyone\u2019s business"},"content":{"rendered":"

From pallet to palate, your refrigerated display case plays a pivotal role<\/em><\/p>\n

by Dan Cassier, VP of Customer Experience, JSI<\/em><\/p>\n

The other day, I helped my son purchase his first new car. He made a pretty compelling argument about the value of purchasing the shiny black sports coupe, but my fatherly instincts (and offer of down payment) prevailed, so we drove off the lot in a handsome, super-safe sedan.<\/p>\n

When it comes to protecting our families, safety comes first. Our car shopping experience got me thinking about how profoundly safety concerns affect my line of business \u2013 refrigerated display cases in supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience marts.<\/p>\n

As a colleague in this industry, you probably know better than anyone how brilliantly the spotlight is shining on health and safety in supermarkets today \u2013 just look at the 624% increase in hand sanitizer sales from 2019 to 2020<\/a>. Obviously, people are concerned, and the COVID-19 pandemic has furthered illuminated the importance of food safety. Food safety issues can be devastating, particularly at a time when consumers are hyper-aware of germs and cleanliness. Six out of 10 consumers<\/a>, for example, said they would not return to an establishment after contracting a foodborne illness there.<\/p>\n

\"food<\/a>In your store, you do all the right things \u2013 keep aisles clear and accessible for social distancing, display arrows for one-way travel, and shift equipment around to facilitate \u201cin and out\u201d experiences. These are all very visible ways you support healthier, safer shopping. Other things you do \u2013 like ensuring refrigerated display cases maintain critical temperatures \u2013 are largely taken for granted.<\/p>\n

But what if food safety could be another arrow in your merchandising quiver? It all starts with having confidence in the safety standards you – and your refrigeration display case partners \u2013 are committed to.<\/p>\n

How it\u2019s built: food safety starts before a display case hits the pallet to ship to your store<\/h4>\n

They may not be exciting but safety certifications in manufacturing can make or break a refrigerated display case \u2013 and the food it holds. Three areas that directly affect safety start with how display cases are manufactured:<\/p>\n

1. Are they built with the highest quality components that are resistant to failure? It\u2019s easy enough to check with your display case manufacturers to ensure they are using reliable suppliers.<\/p>\n

2. Is testing validated by a reputable 3rd party company like Intertek<\/a>?<\/p>\n

3. Does a signed testing tracker that clearly displays NSF<\/a> safety compliance accompany every unit?<\/p>\n

At your store, maintaining critical temp is essential for safety at the palate<\/h4>\n

Once the refrigerated display case gets to your store, equipment continuity is essential in ensuring food safety. Any temperature between 40 F (4.4 C) and 140 F (60 C) is considered the “danger zone” for food. If food stays in this danger zone for too long, harmful bacteria can grow to levels that could cause illness.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>A few key things to look for can help maintain equipment continuity:<\/p>\n