Whenever temperature-sensitive products need to move from warehouse to warehouse or warehouse to retailer, multiple elements along the chain must be perfectly dialed in to reduce the odds of lost product.
Handling items with different storage requirements can be tricky. Some products need to remain cold but above freezing temperatures, others may have to stay precisely at freezing temperatures, and certain products must remain deep-frozen with no chance to approach the freezing point and soften.
What temperature should ice cream be? Ice cream must maintain a temperature well-below freezing and never cross the softening threshold and refreeze. This isn't just vital for the quality of the product – it's a health and safety concern.
If you weren't aware, an authority exists regarding the quality and safe storage of ice cream products for transporters, manufacturers, and retailers. The International Ice Cream Association (IICA) provides content covering how to transport ice cream and other frozen treats and how to housing these temperature-sensitive goods to protect these top-of-the-line products.
You don’t need to guess what temperature ice cream should be. According to the IICA, the storage temperature for ice cream should never be warmer than -20° F. However, some fluctuations along the cold chain are permissible.
The cold chain is the supply line in which ice cream or a frozen product travels to reach the hands of a consumer. Ice cream that is maintained properly throughout the cold chain has 12 to 24 months of shelf life.
The storage temperature for ice cream when it leaves the facility is -5° F to prevent the growth of ice crystals. This temperature also keeps the product at a soft enough temperature for operations such as filling containers and packaging.
The storage temperature for ice cream changes after it leaves the manufacturer. On its way to the retailer, ice cream should be safely maintained at -13° F to account for fluctuating ambient temperatures while providing for the best quality and consistency. Receivers at cold storage warehouses should always check the temperature in the truck to make sure that safe temperatures were maintained along the way.
To safely maintain short-term storage of products along the cold supply chain, cold storage lockers must keep the product at -18° F. This colder temperature helps to preserve texture and flavor while preventing melting and bacteria growth.
The storage temperature for ice cream at retailers is -8° F in their coolers and no more than -4° on the top rack of the cooler. This warmer temperature helps prevent freezer burn on products, improves servability, and makes the product more pleasurable for customers to consume.
Handling cold foods can be tricky, but knowing how to transport ice cream for maximum quality and food safety is essential to comply with regulations and support public health. Maintaining specified temperatures at the various stages of the journey to retail ensures that the product arrives in excellent condition, ready for sale.
Interstate Cold Storage is a leader in cold storage, shipping, and distribution, with a network of facilities strategically located across the Midwest. For over 40 years, the family-owned company has been committed to providing cost-effective refrigerated services as well as outstanding customer service and logistical support to carriers. Among IARW members, Interstate Cold Storage ranks among the largest 25 public cold storage warehousing companies in North America, with five locations and nearly 22 million cubic feet of refrigerated space. Qualified staff and modern facilities enable us to handle all your needs, from standard warehousing to the most extensive and customized long-term storage programs. Our multiroom locations comprise a network offering temperature ranges from -13°F to +35°F, providing the flexibility of multiple rooms and set points to accommodate your specific needs.
