Humidity in Display Fridges – Its Effect on Products and How to Control It Effectively

Why Humidity Matters in Display Fridges

When it comes to storing food correctly in display fridges, temperature is the first parameter that shop and restaurant owners think of. However, there is a second equally important factor that is often overlooked: the relative humidity of the air inside the display fridge. Whether we are talking about a display fridge for meat, dairy, confectionery or beverages, humidity plays an essential role in preserving the quality, appearance and shelf life of the products on display.

The Effects of Excessively High Humidity on Products

An excessive level of humidity inside a display fridge can cause a range of serious problems with a direct impact on food safety and the commercial appearance of the products:

Condensation on packaging and products – water droplets that form on surfaces encourage the growth of mould and cause label deterioration, reducing the visual appeal of the products.
Accelerated growth of bacteria and mould – a cold, damp environment is ideal for the proliferation of harmful microorganisms, especially on unwrapped fresh products such as cheeses or whole cold cuts.
Degradation of food texture – bread products, cakes and other pastry/confectionery items lose their consistency and become soft, sticky or visually unappealing.
Structural damage to the display fridge – excessive humidity can affect the electrical and mechanical components of the refrigeration equipment, shortening its service life.

The Effects of Excessively Low Humidity

At the other extreme, humidity that is too low inside a display fridge can be equally harmful to products:

Dehydration and drying out of products – meat, cheeses and cold cuts on display lose moisture, dry out on the surface and take on an unappealing appearance, with hardened or cracked edges.
Weight loss – products sold by the kilogram will register weight reductions, resulting in direct financial losses for the retailer.
Altered taste and aroma – accelerated dehydration changes the sensory profile of the food, leading to customer dissatisfaction and product returns.

Optimal Humidity Levels for Different Product Categories

There is no single ideal humidity value that applies to all food products. Here are some general recommendations:

Fresh meat and meat preparations – relative humidity between 85% and 90%, to prevent surface dehydration.
Cheeses and dairy products – humidity between 80% and 85%, depending on the type of cheese.
Fruit and vegetables – high humidity, between 90% and 95%, to maintain freshness.
Pastry and confectionery products – lower humidity, between 60% and 70%, to preserve texture and appearance.
Beverages and packaged products – lower sensitivity overall, though condensation remains a factor to monitor.

How to Control Humidity in Display Fridges

Controlling humidity starts with choosing high-quality refrigeration equipment designed appropriately for the type of products you sell. MODACO display fridges, manufactured in Romania since 1992, are designed with efficient cooling systems that keep temperature and humidity parameters within optimal ranges, tailored for food shops, supermarkets, butcher shops, restaurants and confectioneries.

In addition to the quality of the equipment, there are also a number of daily practices you can implement:

Check door seals regularly – a damaged seal allows warm, humid air from outside to enter, destabilising the internal microclimate of the display fridge.
Do not overload the display fridge – air must circulate freely between products to maintain an even distribution of temperature and humidity.
Clean and defrost the evaporator periodically – ice build-up on the evaporator reduces cooling efficiency and disrupts humidity levels.
Monitor with a thermo-hygrometer – a simple, affordable device allows you to track both temperature and humidity inside the display fridge in real time.
Ensure regular servicing – an authorised technician can identify problems with the cooling system that affect humidity control before they become serious.

Investing in the Right Equipment – the Key to Profitability

A retailer who understands the importance of humidity in display fridges will lose less stock, offer products of superior quality and earn long-term customer trust. MODACO refrigeration equipment is built to meet precisely these needs – with reliable technology, adaptable to the requirements of small shops as well as large retail chains and HoReCa businesses across Romania.

Don't let humidity become a hidden problem that erodes your profit day by day. Choose the right equipment from the outset and ensure it operates at optimal parameters through regular servicing.

Contact MODACO for the Ideal Refrigeration Solution

If you have questions about the display fridges best suited to your type of business or would like personalised advice, the MODACO team is ready to help. With over 30 years of experience in the manufacture of commercial refrigeration equipment, our specialists can recommend the optimal solution for your business.

Call us now on 0727.324.787 and discover the full range of display fridges manufactured in Romania, with warranty and servicing included.