How to Stop Mold Growth in your Walk-in Freezer or Cooler kitchen.services/how-to-stop-mold-growth-in-your-walk-in-freezer-or-cooler/ June 16, 2021
The refrigeration equipment you use as a business owner is critical for keeping your products and preventing disease among your staff and customers. Unfortunately, certain conditions, such as the growth of mold, can affect the effectiveness and safety of your commercial refrigeration system. Mold may develop almost anywhere where there is relative humidity, although it is far more frequent in situations where moisture levels are persistently high, such as commercial refrigerators. With high levels of humidity that are essential for some perishable items, the unit becomes vulnerable to the growth of fungus (mold). The dangers of mold are very high. It is highly important to understand its impact in order to protect your system from it by performing commercial refrigeration check-ups.
Risks of Mold Growth To make you fully understand the dangers that come along with mold growth, we have mentioned them in detail.
Health Dangers
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Before starting your commercial foodservice business, you should know that any place or food that has mold needs to be discarded. This is advised because the fungus further produces mycotoxins. There is a type of poisonous chemical that is only produced by mold. A lot of health risks are attached to this poison, from food poisoning to death. Moreover, mold growth might be quite dangerous to your employees. Mold spores can also include mycotoxins, and when produced during the seeding phase of the mold’s life cycle, they can become airborne. When mold is disturbed, such as when mold-covered boxes are moved or when you begin clearing out the mold in your walk-in cooler, spores are discharged.
Rashes, burning eyes, allergy symptoms, and the very significant health concerns of mycotoxin exposure can all result from mold exposure to a greater extent. Especially if you’re dealing with some of the more hazardous molds, such as Stachybotrys (black mold), which can cause stachybotryotoxicosis. This is why, when dealing with substantial mold, you should always contact professionals and keep a backup plan. You should always advise your workers to cover their skin by wearing masks and gloves when cleaning mold out.
Legal Consequences
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When it comes to mold exposure, as the owner of a restaurant, you might have to face some major legal risks. Especially if huge mold growth has taken over an entire walk-in cooler. Naturally, the first concern is failing your next health inspection. This can be disastrous for a growing restaurant, especially if you have to close until you pass the reinspection. Your business could be held accountable if a customer becomes ill or successfully alleges that your items exposed them to mold toxins. However, the legal concerns do not end there. If a member of your staff becomes ill while cleaning up the mold, you may face a workers’ compensation issue. Even if there wasn’t a single dish cooked using moldexempt ingredients, direct contact with mold poses a serious health risk.
Mold Prevention for Your Walk-in Cooler/Freezer We have shown you the risks attached to mold growth. Below we have mentioned how you can prevent mold from developing on your walk-in coolers or freezers.
Keep the Unit Dry Mold cannot reproduce and grow without moisture. Check that the cooling system is working properly, including the condensing coil, evaporator, and fans. Those systems will circulate the air and remove any excess moisture.
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Any standing water should be removed because it can evaporate and leave unwanted dampness. Condensing coils, fans, and evaporators are the parts that need regular maintenance in order to work effectively.
Minimize Condensation Levels As mentioned above, condensation occurs when there is more moisture in the air, resulting in a higher level of humidity. Humidity is the best home for mold growth. Make sure your walk-in cooler doesn’t have any standing water that could cause condensation to form.
Keep the Doors of your Walk-in Freezers or Coolers closed Leaving doors open can cause your commercial refrigerator’s humidity level to fluctuate, making it more susceptible to mold growth. Outside air containing mold spores can also infiltrate your equipment, promoting mold growth. To avoid this, make sure your door is constantly shut tightly.
Clean up the Water Spills Immediately By raising the total humidity of your refrigeration equipment, standing water can provide an ideal habitat for mold to grow. If there is any standing water, it should be cleaned up as soon as possible. It’s a good idea to inspect your refrigerated equipment on a regular basis to see if any water needs to be removed. Contact a professional in case you are worried about mold growth or standing water in your refrigeration equipment.
Keep it Cool Properly Mold spores will not grow in your walk-in cooler if the temperature is kept between 36 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperature swings, on the other hand, can be problematic. That’s why it’s always a good idea to double-check that the door is properly closed and shut. This will not only keep the temperature stable but will also keep mold spores from entering the cooler.
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