UK associations join Move to -15ºC
5th August 2024
UK: Two of the leading UK trade associations for the frozen food industry have joined a coalition exploring raising temperatures of frozen food to slash emissions.
The Cold Chain Federation (CCF) and the British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF) have joined The Move to -15°C, a global coalition campaigning for the temperature at which frozen food is stored and transported to be increased from -18ºC to -15ºC.
The move follows last week’s announcement by UK supermarket retailer Morrisons to make the 3ºC change frozen food temperatures in 10 of its stores.
Recent studies have shown that temperature increases do not compromise food safety or quality, but changing the standard would significantly reduce carbon emissions.
“The -18°C standard has not been reviewed in almost a century,” commented Cold Chain Federation CEO Phil Pluck. “Meanwhile, the technology, equipment and processes used to manage temperature-controlled logistics have advanced beyond recognition.
“The result is that we’re now able to make this hugely positive change without jeopardising the great benefits frozen food delivers to consumers and businesses.”
Rupert Ashby, CEO of the British Frozen Food Federation, said: “For a hundred years frozen food has brought a host of benefits to consumers and businesses, locking in nutritional value and offering greater quality and a variety of products at more affordable prices.
“If the science and evidence show that the industry can increase temperatures, it would allow our industry to continue delivering these advantages while also achieving further cuts in carbon emissions.”
Welcoming its latest members, Move to -15°C chairman Thomas Eskesen said: “By working together, we stand to make a positive impact on the environment. If we can redefine frozen food temperature standards then we could save 17.7 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.”
Related stories:
Morrisons moves to -15°C freezer temperatures – 2 August 2024
UK: Morrisons claims to be the first UK retailer to move its frozen food temperatures from -18°C to -15°C in 10 of its stores. Read more…
Raising frozen temperatures could slash emissions – 29 November 2023
UAE: A coalition led by Dubai-based multinational logistics company DP World is calling for frozen food temperatures to be set at -15°C as standard to cut carbon emissions. Read more…
