Food products useful storage life :
Recommended Storage Conditions for Fruits and Vegetables :
Meat and poultry: These items also require refrigeration right after slaughter during processing, packaging. Short-term storage is done at 0 deg. C. Long-term storage requires freezing and storage at -25 deg C.
The cold chain has proved to be very effective in reducing spoilage of food and in food preservation. It is estimated that in India, the post-harvest loss due to inadequate cold storage facilities is high as 30 percent of the total output. The quality of remaining 70 percent is also affected by inadequate cold chain facilities. This shows the importance of proper refrigeration facilities in view of the growing food needs of the ever-growing population. Refrigeration helps in retaining the sensory, nutritional and eating qualities of the food.