The “4-Hour Rule” in commercial refrigeration is a food safety guideline that comes from HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) and is often enforced by food safety authorities like the FDA, USDA, and local health departments. Here’s what it means:
Commercial Refrigeration – 4-Hour Rule Explained
Rule:
If potentially hazardous (perishable) food has been held in the temperature danger zone (41°F to 135°F / 5°C to 57°C) for 4 hours or more, it must be discarded.
Key Points
- What is the Danger Zone?
- Bacteria grow rapidly between 41°F and 135°F.
- Food stored in this range for too long can become unsafe.
- Time Limit:
- If food exceeds 41°F for more than 4 hours, even during a refrigeration failure, it’s considered unsafe.
- When Does This Apply?
- During:
- Equipment failure (like a refrigerator or walk-in cooler breaking down)
- Power outages
- Improper storage or temperature monitoring
- During:
- What Should Be Done?
- Discard affected food if the 4-hour limit is passed.
- Document the issue if following HACCP or food safety plan protocols.
- Fix the refrigeration issue ASAP and monitor temperatures carefully.
Best Practices for Compliance
- Use temperature logs and alarms to detect issues quickly.
- Train staff to check and record temperatures regularly.
- Invest in reliable equipment and maintenance.
- Have an emergency action plan for refrigeration failures.
ArtikControl™ consistently monitors your walk-in coolers/freezers and sends out alarms via text and email alerts when problems arise so that any failure or temperature problems are discovered and addressed as quickly as possible. Saving money and your food in the process
“Arti” our ArtikControl™ Dashboard offers real-time information, remote access, and intelligent energy controls. Giving you the constant information you need to monitor your systems. The flexibility of ArtikControl™ allows for the inclusion of multiple locations and multiple systems (walk-in boxes; reach-in displays and portable units) into one cohesive, technology-managed solution.
Arti’s user-friendly interface allows for easy, onsite adjustment and the networked solution allows for remote access and appropriate levels of information to be communicated specific to each stakeholder. In addition to reducing expense, the solution enhances more accurate budgeting and elimination of operational inefficiencies using reliable technology controls.
At Refrigeration Technologies’, we save our clients’ money by manufacturing and selling smart innovation, retrofit refrigeration energy-efficient technology. Our products pay for themselves within 7 years installed in most cases and the resulting savings can cut your energy bill by up to 30% or more! As utility rates continue to climb, there has never been a better time to invest in cutting-edge technology and see massive savings as a result.
Our technology controls evaporator fans, room temperature, compressor/liquid line solenoid, and defrost heaters while providing multiple alarms when systems deviate from normal use. This provides energy savings that are verified by third party administrators & engineers.
ArtikControl™ maximizes energy efficiency with less compressor run times resulting from shorter defrost cycles. Also a reduction in excessive temperature that occur with mechanical defrost units and the use of latent Energy in the box reducing compressor run times.
It’s important to conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis and consult with experts in commercial refrigeration to determine the specific ROI for your retrofit project. Additionally, consider the unique factors of your business, such as its size, location, and operational requirements. In many cases, retrofitting commercial refrigeration systems can provide a positive ROI over time, as it not only reduces energy consumption but also enhances operational efficiency and reduces long-term operating costs.
We have the smartest refrigeration team ready to help you reach your goals to save energy and money. Our Engineers will come in and inspect your equipment for possible problems and offer recommendations on how to make your refrigeration system more efficient and economical.
Refrigeration Technologies will show you how to reduce food spoilage, monitor your temperatures and save energy. These are just a few of the benefits a refrigeration owner or operator will experience with the installation of ArtikControl™ WIC &WIF Technologies.
For more Information about some of the most common problems that occur inside walk-in freezers and how our Technologies can give you Peace of Mind, save energy and more importantly put money in your refrigeration operations, please contact us at 888-286-3091 or email me at MYannessa@refrigerationtechnologiesllc.com.
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Contact Refrigeration Technologies’ today to schedule a No Obligation Energy Audit. (888) 286-3091
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