19 December 2011, 11:56 AM
  • A new EU regulation that would require the temperature of chilled refrigeration units to be lowered to 2°C could cost the UK food industry £100 million

Currently, most stores maintain a temperature of anything between 4°C and 7°C, which is regarded as completely safe by the Food Standards Agency.

The European Commission has already started to consult its Food Hygiene Regulations, despite strong opposition from the FSA and environmental groups.

Andrew Opie, food director at the British Retail Consortium, said, “This is a prime example of unnecessary business regulation making it harder for retailers to invest and grow.

“Retailers already follow rules that ensure food is stored and delivered at temperatures that keep it in top condition. New legislation dictating a specific temperature wouldn’t do anything to improve safety or quality,” he added.

The environmental impact of increased energy requirements could also have a devastating impact on the ozone.

Simon Miller, director of sustainability consultancy Best Foot Forward, commented, “Emissions from refrigeration come both from significant energy usage and refrigerant releases such as HFCs.

“The knock-on effects beyond large stores and distribution centres will be more acute in less efficient appliances such as trucks and coolers.”