LESSON 3: RECEIVING & STORING
Most bakery products are stored and shipped frozen. Therefore, maintaining an optimum temperature is extremely critical to the integrity of the product.
Recommended temperatures are classified in three zones: 20°
Care should be taken to properly store products when they are received. Damages need to be reported within 24 hours. Pictures and invoice information greatly helps when requesting credit for damaged product.
Frozen -- 0°F or below
Frozen foods should be stored at –18°C (0°F) or lower. If the temperature rises above –18°C, food can become discolored and lose integrity. Lowering the temperature after it has risen does not correct the damage. Thawing and refreezing can damage the cell structure of products, which is especially true with baked goods.
All frozen products not properly protected can develop freezer burn, which is a loss of moisture that affects both the texture and the flavor of the food. A common sign of freezer burn is a white or grey dry spot developing on the surface of the frozen product.
Chill – Refrigerated, 40°F and below
Monitor the temperature of the refrigerator daily. All refrigerators should have a thermometer and daily readings should be taken and logged.
Be sure that refrigerators are cleaned regularly. Shelves should be shallow and well vented to make cleaning quick and easy. Develop and follow a schedule that ensures refrigerators are cleaned on a regular basis.
Ambient – Dry, 40°F and above, ideally not exceeding 70°F
The storeroom should be easy to keep clean and free from rodents and vermin. This means all wall, ceiling, and floor openings should be sealed and protected to prevent access.
Shelving must be at least 15 cm (6 in.) above the floor. Do not store items right on the floor.
Be aware of open containers such as icings and fillings -- once opened, some can stay at room temperature, but be certain the lids are on and replaced correctly to prevent contamination.
Bulk flours, grains and sugars are best stored in large plastic bins designed for just this purpose. Hinge clear plastic tops will make it easy to identify the product inside, and wheels on the bottom will create ease of movement.
Proper storage is vital to the success of the department.