The European Commission is considering the introduction of a set temperature of two degrees Celsius for the storage and transportation of chilled food. Should the current Food Hygiene Regulations be revised, it would mean huge costs for large retailers with the need to upgrade existing food storage equipment.
Energy consumption would rise by an estimated twenty per cent to produce the lower temperature; this would lead to increased carbon dioxide emissions. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has spoken out against the proposals; the changes would cost British retailers at least £100 million, said a spokesperson for the group.
Existing UK rules are more than adequate, allowing retailers to establish their own practices providing they can prove the temperatures they operate at are safe, said the BRC. (13 Dec)
© 2011 – ESM: European Supermarket Magazine
