The Correct Freezing Temperature: From -18 to -25 Degrees – What You Need to Know
Why Freezing Temperature Matters in Retail and HoReCa
One of the most common reasons frozen foods lose quality or become unsafe for consumption is an incorrect freezing temperature. Whether you manage a supermarket, a restaurant or a catering facility, maintaining the optimal temperature in storage areas is both a legal requirement and a guarantee of your products' quality.
In Romania, as throughout the European Union, clear regulations stipulate that frozen foods must be kept at a temperature of at least -18°C. But what lies beyond this figure, and why do some high-performance units go down to -25°C? We explain everything you need to know.
What the Legislation Says About Freezing Temperature
European Regulation No. 1333/2008 and current national standards state that the maximum permitted temperature for storing frozen foods is -18°C. This is the minimum threshold that any commercial refrigeration unit must reach and maintain consistently.
ANSVSA and DSVSA inspections regularly verify compliance with these temperatures in shops, restaurants and warehouses. Non-compliance can result in significant fines, withdrawal of operating licences or even temporary closure of the premises. A reliable piece of equipment is therefore not a luxury — it is a necessity.
The Difference Between -18°C and -25°C – When Each One Matters
Although -18°C represents the legal standard, there are situations in which lower temperatures, down to -25°C, are recommended or even required:
- Rapid freezing of fresh products: When freezing meat, fish or pastry products on site, the temperature must drop quickly to the core to prevent the formation of large ice crystals, which destroy the food's texture.
- Long-term storage: At -25°C, enzymatic and microbial activity is virtually nil, significantly extending the shelf life of products.
- Sensitive products: Seafood, confectionery products or gourmet preparations benefit from lower temperatures to preserve their flavour, colour and consistency.
- Temperature fluctuations: In a freezer with heavy traffic (frequent door openings), a set temperature of -22 or -25°C provides an important safety margin.
How Temperature Affects the Quality of Frozen Foods
Freezing temperature affects not only food safety but also the organoleptic quality of products — taste, texture and appearance. A food correctly frozen at -18°C or below retains its nutritional properties and flavour far better than one kept at fluctuating or insufficiently low temperatures.
Temperature fluctuations are just as dangerous as a consistently elevated temperature. If a freezer reaches -15°C during peak hours, foods can enter a partial thaw-refreeze cycle, which encourages bacterial growth and product deterioration.
Choosing the Right Refrigeration Equipment for Professional Freezing
Choosing the right refrigeration equipment depends on the type of business, the volume of products and the frequency of access. Modaco, with over 30 years of experience in manufacturing display fridges and commercial equipment, offers complete freezing solutions tailored to both food retail shops and HoReCa establishments.
Modaco chest freezers and display freezers are designed to consistently maintain temperatures between -18°C and -25°C, even under conditions of heavy traffic or high ambient temperatures. High-performance compressors, superior-quality insulation and digital temperature control systems guarantee the safety of your products around the clock.
Available solutions include:
- Vertical display freezers – ideal for convenience stores and supermarkets, offering maximum product visibility
- Horizontal chest freezers – suited to high-volume storage with optimised energy consumption
- Blast freezing cells – the professional solution for restaurant kitchens and food production facilities
Practical Tips for Maintaining the Correct Temperature
Even with top-of-the-range equipment, a few simple rules will help you maintain the optimal temperature and extend the service life of your units:
- Do not overload the freezer – air must circulate freely between products
- Check the displayed temperature daily and record it in the monitoring log
- Clean door seals and ventilation grilles regularly
- Avoid placing equipment near heat sources
- Schedule an annual preventive service
Contact Modaco for the Right Solution for Your Business
The correct freezing temperature is not a technical detail — it is the foundation of food safety and the success of your business. If you want to invest in reliable refrigeration equipment, manufactured in Romania, with warranty and service included, Modaco is the right partner.
Call us now on 0727.324.787 and one of our specialists will provide you with free consultancy to help you choose the ideal equipment for your specific needs. Don't let temperature put your business at risk!